Madrid (by Pauline Viardot)
Ceira M.
-
As a classical musician, I feel the responsibility to simultaneously respect tradition and bring something to the music that lies beyond the page. While I continue to grapple with this responsibility, I found inspiration in the composer of this song, Pauline Viardot. Viardot’s determination to compose, despite it being unusual for women in her time, emboldened me to take a step outside the box in my interpretation of her music. This piece is about a haughty man proclaiming to all of Madrid that no woman is as beautiful as his lover. To emphasize the character’s somewhat snobbish masculinity, I decided to wear a cropped jacket, reminiscent of a charming matador or torero. In adding a personal touch, I hope to elevate the message of this piece in my performance.
-
Creativity is a joyful manifestation of who I am. It is my ability to communicate my story, identity, and perspective through my work. With creativity, practice is never boring, rehearsal is always meaningful, and interacting with art is a form of self love.
