virtuoso

wow Dr Kenneth Hamilton came down to RJC today to give a talk on the proper code of conduct that should be adhered by a performer. Too bad I missed his piano recital yesterday at esplanade (recital studio). I identified with some of the points he enumerated, namely the need to convey and communicate with the audience through not only the music, but also through body language. Body languages exhibit the emotions of different parts of the piece and also signal to the audience the stage of the piece, whether it is nearingthe end or not. Body languages are what that convince the audience of whether the performer is raw or professional. Also, nervousness is something inherent in everybody, but it is how we perceive it that makes a difference to the quality of the performance. A nervous man may appear composed and confident from his facade as long as his ulterior feelings are being dealt with appropriately whereas another nervous man who doesn't seem to understand the meaning behind the performance and who only worries about how the performance would turn out is in for trouble. After all, everybody makes mistakes and we should not view them as a barrier. We make mistakes in order to complete the piece, to really emote and commune the message behind the melody. Hamilton also mentioned the importance of appearing indifferent and unbothered upon making the slightest mistake; it is painful to let the audience, or the examiner, if it was an exam, to be in a state of discomfort just because one is unable to forgive oneself many times. In music, the audience look for the flow, not always for the accuracy. He also, brought about points like the difference in playing a piece to the audience in the case of a concert performance and to an examiner in the case of an practical examination - the atmosphere influencs the way music is perceived. In addressal to a question on the use of the una corda, raised by royce i think, during a Q&A session, Mr kenneth aptly pointed out the need for the una corda in creating certain necessary softening effects which might not have been possible without it. Another guy referred to the inability of students in adaptating to different brands of pianos at different locations.. But overall it was a good talk. This took place after the catastrophic H3 math lesson (was sitting directly below the aircon quite high up in LT2) results today wasnt that good, though I really expected it.