As I am new to blogging this is going to be interesting:
I would like to start with something I read just the other day as I read the book of my teacher at the conservatory in Amsterdam (now many years ago). The book:
BACH's SOLO VIOLIN WORKS by Jaap Schroder
The quote below attracted my attention - especially when following some interesting other current conversations around Bach.
Anyway, here is the quote I rather like!
(Jaap Schroder:) "I urge every violinist to "inhale" the spirit of Bach's music as deeply as possible. Although his solos for the violin do not belong to the category of sacred music, every player must be conscious of the spiritual dimension in this music and never draw attention to the way he or she is mastering its great difficulties. The well-known dedication Soli Dei Gloria (to the glory of God alone) written by baroque composers at the end of a manuscript may apply equally well, in an equivalent attitude of pride and humility, to the performing artist who places himself at the service of this monumental music."
In my profession as a violinist in Florida, I come across all kinds of stuff that might be fun or interesting to discuss. Classically trained in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, now I teach both violin and fiddle. I teach the O'Connor method and other methods as the need arises. I do not teach Suzuki. I am specialized in Baroque violin and am a member of the Alachua Consort. I love exploring what's out there. Thus I also play in a Greek band, EMBROS, on electric 5-string.
To me it raises the question: do we play for the music or do we play with the focus on ourselves and how fantastic our performance is? Is humility appropriate here?
ReplyDeleteI think humility is always appropriate (except when dealing with obnoxious people), especially in any artistic enterprise. If other people think you're great, fine, but focusing on the art is still of primary importance to the artist. Not sure whether I agree with the "must be conscious of the spiritual dimension" part of the sentence. I have always thought that as a musician you create your own interpretation, regardless of your colleagues' imperatives...
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting matter. Over time (centuries) artists have had different approaches: one is to follow the intent of the composer and all that goes with that to a strict degree. The other is more about the performer. I have heard world's top performers play Bach...You could recognize the performer by listening to the piece of music. And I have heard performers play to the music. Is Bach to be played like Kreisler, to pick an example or like Bach? I like the many interpretations but would want to hear Bach's intent. I would like to let the notes speak. The rhetoric of the music tell us where to go. And then let that come alive. I do agree that Bach's solo works have an incredible depth that could be linked to "spiritual" ...That lies, though, in the experience of the individual playing or hearing his music. A sense of reverence seems appropriate.
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