“A picture is painted on the elusive medium of silence, as a new symphony is woven into the tapestry of Time.”
This article probably finds you on a rainy night and I hope you’re safe and warm. It must’ve been a long day. Perhaps you’re looking for a respite. I just need you to do one thing for me. Get cozy and grab a drink. Follow me to a simpler time. Together we’ll take a trip down the memory lane and unearth the melodies composed by the Greats of the past.
The Four Seasons- Winter : Vivaldi
Give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0ROMalDdNg3L2HoZP4qFyJ?si=p3Qbn7pdS1y8275gC6rOvQ
I will describe this piece simply with three F’s– Fantastic, Flawless and F minor. ‘The Four Seasons’ is pure unadulterated genius and Winter holds a special place in my heart.
Vivaldi has stripped this piece down to portray raw emotion. The concerto starts off with short, crisp, ‘staccato’ notes, and the soloist is intermittently cut off by the orchestra. Do you feel the sense of impending doom?
A harsh winter scene is brought to life, starting with a solitary snowflake blowing in the wind– we follow this snowflake as events escalate, as we’re led astray into the terrifying depths of a blizzard.
The orchestra is simultaneously mind-blowing and a slap to the listener’s face. Every note is crafted to keep you at the edge of your seat. Nature is beautiful but it’s also a vicious and powerful force.
Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9 : Frédérich Chopin
Give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1VNvsvEsUpuUCbHpVop1vo?si=fMnKxFaoT_agRQx–aBSLw
“Slower! Play it slower! Play like you want to lull me to sleep,” I hear the words of my piano teacher echo. “I’m not sleepy yet! You can do better!” my 10-year old self floundered. But one summer night, I opened my Greek mythology book, and let this tune fill the air. Only then did I discover the concept of using pedals and proper dynamics.
This piece is one of the sweetest and most serene melodies the world has been blessed with. Every trill and phrase paints a picture.
Something really beautiful about Chopin’s Nocturnes is that even though they’re named after him, he didn’t invent them. Nocturnes were the brainchild of the Irish composer John Field. Chopin was deeply moved by Field, and was fortunate enough to be recognized as a “sickroom talent” by him.
We all face struggles in our daily lives, but one thing about Nocturne that imprinted it into my soul was the reassurance. An affirmation that at the end of every rough day comes a gentler night. Stormy or tranquil, calmer days always follow.
Moonlight Sonata – 3rd Movement : Ludwig van Beethoven (rendition by Rousseau)
Give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6jBT9MBVjX4kZ68IV6wHnH?si=rydAiOMxRTuxHYem8JBOuQ
This seven-minute mammoth is the nightmare of every pianist. The definition of “I paid for the whole piano, so I’ll use the whole piano.” This piece baffles me as a musician and an introspective thinker. The complex array of notes as well as their expression are both distinctive.
I envision moonlight as a calm, silvery-white aura, subtle but beautiful. I genuinely don’t understand the moonlight that inspired Beethoven to compose the third movement, perhaps he imagined a werewolf transforming!
When one is baffled, they try to reason it out logically. Beethoven has my utmost respect for composing such exhilarating melodies despite being deaf. The agitated ‘presto’ tune signifies something greater than moonlight. The tempo oscillating from presto (fast), to forte (loud) and to adagio (slow), it truly accentuates a soul in turmoil.
Swan Lake : Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2xizRhme7pYeITbH1NLLGt?si=ab3DY7uNQZ2ZnG1IkgXwnA
When I think of Swan Lake, I am overwhelmed by emotions. Fear, adrenaline and wonder course through my veins. I am plagued by the story behind this lilting melody and its sinister undertones. The sheer power of the orchestra, and the subtle scale shift in the build-up is electrifying.
The story of the world’s most popular ballet shouldn’t be left untold. I shall try to present it uniquely.
“Ethereally glowing, the moon shone bright
Placid swans gliding, in the haze of the night
Idyllic and tranquil, the masked scene is set
This story is one you won’t be able to forget.
A prince, now of age, in the prime of his life
Has been forced by the Queen to choose a wife
His love is forbidden, but his feelings are true
Doomed by a sorcerer, bad omens brew.
His beloved, a swan, metamorphoses in the dark
He’d come to hunt, but was drawn by a spark
Cursed by the baron, she only needed her love
Her fate in his hands, upto the powers above.
Her gaze was tainted by the slighest mistrust
Female suitors for the prince waltzed in, robust
He’d sworn to remain faithful, to be hers, be true
But a beguiling lady made him bid his oath adieu.
The baron’s evil eye ultimately won the game
The prince was overcome with guilt and shame
His lover, heartbroken, drowned herself in the lake
He shortly followed, putting his life at stake.”
Angst, sorrow, tragedy and regret. That was the story of Seigfried and Odette.
Claire de Lune : Claude Debussy
Give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/405HNEYKGDifuMcAZvqrqA?si=8rcmH_cOSqK1T4tkpbDfhg
This last one is especially personal to me. As we walk down the memory lane, it’s only fit if I share some of mine. I have rambled on about the intricacies of my favourite pieces, but now I’ll talk about the everyday impact music has on me.
Clair de Lune is a song I associate with stability. A song that I listen to when I long for a safe haven. When my head hurts too much, everyday life gets a little too mundane, or things aren’t going to plan. It makes me feel alive.
It’s special to me since my best friend played it for me once. I can only associate this song with comfort, safety and rejuvenation.
That’s my interpretation of some famous classical pieces. Feel free to share yours with me. I know that no matter what comes my way, I have these songs locked in my heart. They’ve shaped my character and given me joy. I’m grateful I could share them with you today!
Written for MTTN by: Dhriti Bharadwaj
Edited by: Vaishnavi Katiyar
Featured artwork:
“For winter” by Yatee Samantaray
“Nocturne” by Jemima James
“Moonlight sonata” by Yatee Samantaray
“Swan lake” by landscapesergiy
“Claire de lune” by Arushi Dar
Featured image by caterinagiorgi_art
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