This is the English translation of my Japanese article for Nikkan San, as a part of my bi-weekly column, “The Way of the Pianist.”
“Good morning!”
“It’s getting cold, isn’t it?” “Bundle up! Stay warm!”
“Take care.” “Have a good day!”
As we approach the busy-ness of the holiday season, the smiles exchanged with passers-by slow us down a bit, reminding us to appreciate the little things in life. Perhaps the reason why these ritualistic greetings have come to feel so warm and cozy is because the pandemic taught us to seize each moment and each other.
Repeat sign is an indication to play the music written in between the brackets with two vertical points on each end twice. The two-measure illustration shows the right measure to be repeated, but usually an entire section – the equivalent of a paragraph – or more, gets repeated.
For aspiring musicians’ exams and auditions, the guidelines advise omitting the repeats in the interest of time. I didn’t understand the musical validity of these repeats anyways – very few youngsters do. I once played the first and the second time with vastly different interpretations. I thought I was showing off the range of my artistic expressivity, when my teacher told me something I will never forget.
“The second time is already different because the context within the music is different. And because, experiencing the music for the second time and with the progression of time, the audience and the player have evolved. So you can play it exactly the same way, and it would mean something completely different.”
Births. Unions. Deaths. There are events that change us, and our lives. We have music for many of these occasions. In his book “The World in Six Songs,” cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin asserts that music is a vital reminder that there are things that will never change, and that we are connected, that you are not alone.
The annual feast of turkey and cranberry sauce brings back sweet memories of my first few Thanksgivings after my move to the States, even though I have always preferred chicken to turkey.
My friends’ jokes make me laugh every time until I tear even though, or perhaps because, I’ve heard them so many times before.
These days, I always honor the repeat indications in music, whether it be by Bach or Mozart or whoever, and cherish their periodicity.
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As a recent medical diagnosis has put into serious question just how many “repeats” I have left, your well timed writing serves to remind me that,” …music is a vital reminder that there are things that will never change, and that we are connected, that you are not alone.”
I will cherish the repeats, and hope that I may be granted many more. Music is a constant reminder that indeed, I am not alone.
Best wishes to you during this festive time, may your “repeats” be many.
Manuel
Dear Manuel,
I cannot thank you enough for your powerful comment. I am so grateful that my reflections on music found resonance in your heart.
I will play a Bach Fugue with you in mind today, wishing you all the best.
Yours,
Makiko
I am both honored and humbled that you would think of me while you create magic on the piano.
Thank you.
It is absolutely my pleasure!
Makiko