It's no secret that listening to Bach can be a very beautiful experience. His work is crafted masterfully and is perfectly placed in what can seem like a mathematically correct balance.
I am convinced, however, that Bach saved a very sacred and elusive facet of his music to be appreciated solely by those who perform it. Music can be seen as a way for humans to tap into a very special place that could not be reached through any other vehicle, and it is the music from the pen of Bach which has convinced me of this lately. Sure, listen to the music of any master and you can feel gorgeous and transcendental beauties, but Bach doesn't stop there. It seems to me that the nature of his music tqkes you out of this world and to another place where humans can truly be a part of a cosmic plane! It's as if you are meeting Bach there!
Lately, my practice has evolved around the prelude to Bach's cello suite no. 1...yeah, that one you've heard. Of course, it's a pleasant piece...but let me tell you, this seemingly casual-to-play piece of music is anything but! Disguised by Bach's wonderful chordal structures, there is a very firm underlying struggle to make all of these passages feel facile. So, as a result, I have spent a lot of time doing very slow practice followed by gradual work towards a tempo I find to be suitable. Much time is spent hearing the intonation (it is a HIGHLY tonal piece of music after all), keeping steady tempo yet letting the music breath in its own way, finding musical lines, and making sure that every single note gravitates to it's home. Through this work, through this execution...this is where I feel Bach leaves his greatest legacy. Somehow it seems that when I get a bit more familiar with the music and it's technical difficulties become a bit easier, it's as if every fiber within in me is being realigned and corrected by the ever so perfect swoop of Bach's hand...truly, at this point, nature coincides with music! So after about a half hour of grueling work trying to work out the nooks and crannies of the first few lines, I let myself play the music at my desired tempo. I took a deep breath, let the beauty of the writing be my guide, and went. With my eyes closed I let it all go and I swear to all that I believe in, when I was able to let myself go into the music, it truly felt as if effort had left me...as if Bach took my arm and played it for me. My efforts seemed useless, and If I were to "try" then it would have failed miserably.
So, in conclusion to all of this, I am convinced that when one sets out to practice any of Bach's works, they must stop to think and love every millisecond of every note. Never can you play it slow enough...the only way to play the music is to have felt every note and to let it become a part of who you are.
I will resume my work on this piece and it is a work that I hope to open a recital with in the future....i've had some great experiences with it...but, as reality reveals, I have MUCH work to do!
