What Three-Note Motive Symbolizes.

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This is a program note to “Dr. Pianist’s Weekend Live! #5: Three-Note Motive Symbolism,” which can be watched below.

Just like in the previous 3 weeks, I will play the variations from J.S. Bach’s “Goldberg” that I examined with my live-streamed “morning practice” viewers from Monday to Friday this week: Variation 12 to 16. The first variation for this week, Variation 12 has a notable three-note pattern in the left hand.

In the morning practice session, as well as in my blog, I talked about the significance of the number three for Bach, a devout Lutheran. To him, three symbolized the holy trinity.

However, the three-repeated notes as a musical motive (a musical gesture composers use as a building block to develop their compositions) are used by very many composers throughout the history of music, regardless of their religious faiths.

Is the three-note motive everywhere because it is naturally musical, or has it gained its significance in Western classical music because of its association with the holy trinity? 

Program: 
- Chopin Prelude Op. 28-7 in A Major
- Liszt Liebestraum No. 3 
- J.S. Bach Variations XII to XVI

Enjoy the concert!!

Next Sunday, on July 26th, I will be presented by Groupmuse in a concert titled “Dr. Pianist’s Healing Music!” – this is a ticketed event. Please reserve your spot asap, before they reach their max capacity! I will play piano favorites and talk about how to incorporate music in your everyday lives as a tool to enhance your wellbeing.

  • When: Sunday, July 26th at 4PM (PT)/ 7PM (ET)
  • Where: https://www.groupmuse.com/events/10822-dr-pianist-s-healing-music
  • Admission: $3 to register (this will go to Groupmuse), and $10+ on the day of the concert for the performer – ME!
  • Format: There will be a Zoom meeting with an emcee and hostess, Toby Horn, to introduce Groupmuse as a non-profit organization, their mission, etc. Any technical glitches can be resolved during this time. Then, the performance will take place on YouTube. After the performance, you go back to a Zoom meeting where you have a chance to talk to each other, or ask me questions, etc. It’s like a virtual reception!