Cello Suite No.4 in E-Flat Major by J.S. Bach
Albert J.
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My artwork is of Bach's Fourth Suite, the Allemande. It is a baroque dance that goes through a moderate speed, and I listened to the many different interpretations of this piece by Mischa Maisky, Pablo Casals, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Yo-Yo Ma. I am often influenced by a more romantic era approach to some pieces, and this was no exception. I incorporated some vibratos but still maintained the rhythms, expressing the notes but still making sure they are followable. Organization and structure are what my teacher often reminded me to think about, as musical pieces can seem like a story with a journey, conflict, and resolution. I played around with how the music can be expressed, where to emphasize and where to soften. In my mind, I have a melody playing, music that I can hear in my mind that is built up from the many different recordings I heard and expressions I like. When I am recording and playing this piece, I think and listen to the perfect melody I hear in my mind, and try to create this melody as best I can. The expression is far more important than simply the notes and how in tune it is. Though the piece never reaches the music I hear in my mind, I often produce recordings that get closer to this melody. At least the idea of where and how I want to change the phrasings.
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Playing musically and expressively, especially in melodic dances, reduces my stress and keeps me preoccupied in a pleasant yet busy mood. I enjoy exploring different musical styles to find new phrasings that spark my interest. It's the reason why I try different interpretations. It is so energizing.
