Sunday, July 10, 2005

The Feeling of Love and Stravinsky

Thought that today's version of Milonga del Angel was a little unclean, with some technical buzzes here and there. But my teacher actually commented that it was very natural today, but lacking the romantic feeling and authoritative power. And she just shot a stinging question at me, asking me if I've ever loved a woman in my life. Just when I wanted to give a definite no, the image of her just came into my mind. Just when I thought that I've managed to suppress that feeling a few months back, it just came back in an instant. And to think that that she just came back for a holiday break from overseas. Oh well, and I've to tell my teacher an imaginative story next week on this piece, in order to evoke the feelings in the music. First piece of music that I'm study with this teacher and we spent 3 weeks on one simple page? I wonder how long will the Fugue by Bach take then...

Went to Esplanade to spend the whole afternoon alone. Listened to the Rite of Spring of Igor Stravinsky. Yes, a paganistic ritual where a girl is sacrificed by dancing herself to death. This is one of Stravinsky's hardest-to-appreciate piece due to the lack of a lyrical melody line. After opening myself up to this music and getting myself to listen through the whole suite, I now like it a little. Maybe if I understand a little more about the music, I'll be able to connect more with it. And I just borrowed a book explaining, or attempting to explain twentieth century music. Think Schoenberg, Stravinsky and some other modern composers. Hope that'll help me a little. But no matter what, it wouldn't change the fact that I'll specialise in the music of Bach.

How hurting yet sweet is my longing for thee...

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