The fun thing about playing music

On 23 Mar 2007, XM and I rehearsed our double bass duet items namely:
W.A. Mozart's Allegro and L. Mozart's Polonaise. Both of these works are arranged and edited by F. Pillinger.

Our double bass tutor, Mr G. Mouzyka, helped me better appreciate the musical joke behind W.A. Mozart's Allegro. He also reminded me to pay good attention to ensure that there is a distinction between the parts to be played forte (loud) and the parts to be played piano (soft).

There was one particular part from W.A. Mozart's Allegro where one's imagination can come in very useful in creating a dramatic effect. Mr G. Mouzyka suggested that I play Bars 13 to 14 dolce (sweet and soft) while imagining as if a young child is asking for something, and then play Bars 15 to 16 loud and with force, imagining as if the parent is disapproving of the young child's request. This is one thing fun about playing music: I get to make use of imagination to create interesting storylines out of the seemingly simple notes.

During the same rehearsal, I also found out more about Polonaise. While I was aware that Polonaise is a kind of slow dance, I did not know how the dance would look like. Mr G. Mouzyka enlightened me that Polonaise requires couples to walk around a dance hall holding hands, though not facing their respective partners while they were holding hands.

The polonaise is a stately Polish processional dance, performed by couples who walk around the dance hall; the music is in triple meter and moderate tempo. The dance has been used in formal contexts and during public ceremonies and festivities, particularly at weddings. (view source)

I cannot help but think that another fun thing about playing music is that it opens one to opportunities to learn more about cultures different from one's own. Read more about this dance here: http://www.usc.edu/dept/polish_music/dance/polonaise.html

If you would be keen to listen to the above-mentioned two double bass duets, do come for our upcoming performance at the Esplanade Concourse.

Date: 30 and 31 May 2007 (Wed and Thu)
Time: 7.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. - 9.15 p.m. on both nights

For more details, please refer to: Listen to d'Bassists: 30 and 31 May 2007.