(copyright Lydia Artymiw, 2006)
Posted with permission.
Recently, I had the honor of being on the jury of a world-renowned and
very
distinguished international piano competition where I heard seventy
recitals
in five days. The playing ranged from absolutely world class,
incredible playing to excellent,
well-prepared playing on a very high technical level to only a few
average
recitals), and I have been thinking a lot about what constitutes
playing of the
highest order - the complete artist - and what do jurors listen and
respond to when they have to evaluate so much playing during such a
concentrated period of time. Which is the playing that instantly leaps
out of
the bunch - the playing which is unforgettable?
Out of all of the recitals I heard, six pianists not only had me
sitting
on the edge of my chair but also thrilled me, kept me completely
involved
during their 40 minute program, and three of them actually moved me to
tears.
The first thing I did was to time how long it takes to recognize a
truly
exceptional performer. In general, the first impression takes about 30
seconds - either great, good, average, or bad - and in most cases, the
strongest players start well and get better. Certainly by about two
minutes,
the complete impression is formed.
So I decided to make a list of all of the ingredients which constitute
great
artistry. Each element is important and all must be there. If even one
is
missing, the magic "formula" is not complete. Here goes:
1) *Sound*. From the very first note - sound is everything. The artists
are
those who possess sonic imagination (a broad range of colors and
variety of
touches), the pianists who can achieve both orchestral sonorities and a
true
cantabile, singing sound from the piano.
2) *Rhythm*. When rhythm is compromised, the living (and breathing)
aspects of
the music are lost.
3)*Fingers* - technique. Either there or not. The greatest players make
everything seem effortless - at the service of the music.
NOTE: Sound, rhythm, and fingers obviously work together to make the
first impression, but in every case
where someone had great fingers but bad rhythm, the initial impression
was already negative.
4)*Character, atmosphere, and mood*. This is where even some of the
greatest
technicians fail. Playing which does not project character, atmosphere,
and
mood has no meaning and will not sustain interest.
5)*Projection of line,phrasing, and direction*. Does the melody have
shape and
where is it going?
6)*Broad dynamic range*. The most interesting players are those who
have the
biggest dynamic range and are not afraid to play as softly as they
dare. And
their loudest playing is never percussive.
7) *Pacing.* One of the most important elements, which truly separates
the
"wheat from the chaff." In every case, the pianists who understood how
to
pace a long section which builds, in dynamics as well as tension and
drama,
to a big climactic arrival point, were the ones who not only always
sustained
interest but created incredible excitement in their performances -
sometimes
absolutely hair-raising.
*Awareness of rests *- as breathing points and punctuation and
sometimes
as moments of great dramatic tension.
9) *Sense of timing *- players who are musically aware always have an
instinct for timing - be it
for pauses, rubato, dramatic moments, etc.
10)*Delight in harmony*. Those players who relish and project an
important
harmonic change (or key change) stand out immediately.
11)*Different articulat*ions - including many lengths of staccato - and
the
cultivation of true legato (especially finger legato, not just relying
on the
pedal).
12)*Voicing of chords* (ties in with projection of line)and awareness
and
projection of inner voices - both equally important.
13)*Pedaling*: Many pianists do not listen to their pedaling and do not
make
the necessary adjustments. This can detract from an otherwise excellent
performance. Also, variety of pedaling - from fluttering the pedal,
using
quarter or half pedals (not full), and experimenting with all aspects
of
pedaling. Very important.
14) *Stylistic awareness *is also very important and must be part of
this entire package.
However, a stylistically correct performance which lacks musical
understanding and projection
does not really mean anything in the end and will ultimately be quite
forgettable.
Each of these elements must be there (and all working together at the
same time!)
But now comes the most important aspect of all:
What does the music mean to the performer? Can the performer completely
immerse him/herself so completely into the music and then communicate
and
project that meaning to the listener in such a fearless and compelling
way
that the listener is not only captivated but completely drawn into this
special world? The greatest artists truly love their music and are
compelled
to express that love to their audiences. And this is where "character,
mood,
and atmosphere" may ultimately be the most important elements after
all.
Music mirrors every possible emotional range: from humor, charm, grace,
and
good spirits - to sweetness, tenderness, and intimacy - to brooding,
anxiety, passion, restlessness, and agitation - to melancholy,
yearning,
depression, and tragedy - to hope and optimism - and finally, to the
greatest
joy and ecstasy.
The greatest artists are those who both understand and are never afraid
of
communicating this vast emotional expanse. And those were the artists
who
moved me here and whose performances I will not forget.
Topic: A Fresh Perspective on Artistry by Lydia Artymiw