Master-class was as insightful as the recital was spectacular.
Three conservatory students played movements from both Chopin concertos and the Beethoven 0p 110 Sonata.
Some general pointers I took away from the class:-
Music/piano students should have a solid founding in counterpoint and harmony. The latter being the basic foundation of the western musical tradition.
When approaching a new piece, try to conceptualise the overall architecture of the piece with special regard to phrasing. Look for the extended phrases intended by the composer rather than partitioning them into sub-phrases. When you think you have found them, make a special note of them. Even to the extent of counting the measures over which the phrase spans.
When studying a piece, it is important to relate it to the larger cultural/artistic philosophies or concepts contemporary to the composer as well as the composer's current personal emotional and psychological state. He suggested that a musician should try to correlate the music to a philosophical or emotional theme or story so as to better convey the emotional content of the music. The emotional communication not being the end game but rather, in doing so, aid the artist in communicating the music. While expounding the Op 110 Sonata, he likened some phrases to the composer questioning the existence of God. Followed by the answer, and then the ascension to heaven and then the jubilation of having arrived there.
Very enlightening it was.
