Stories to aid in memorization and performing

December 24, 2005 at 7:39 AM

Wow you guys sure write a lot in your blogs. I'm done with my recitals this year. Whew. The Bach Sarabande and Gigue from Partita #2 went well. This time I tried visual imagery instead of mind blanking and I was able to remember all my lines. Literally, I went through each piece and decided on a scene that this music would be a soundtrack for. Then I would visualize this scene while playing and since I know the story, I would know where I was. For the Sarabande, I envisioned on the Burial of Jesus. For the Gigue, the events around the discovery of the Empty Tomb. This gave me sufficient context as well as the expression of feeling that matches with these pieces. Since Bach was a devout Christian, I'm sure he was thinking these (or similar) thoughts while composing.

My pastor and a church friend came to my recital and while I was nervous, I concentrated on my story line and got through okay. I thank God for giving me the privilege of playing the violin and keeping my thoughts on Jesus.

Now onto new challenges. I just had my lesson and my teacher decided to let me play the first and third movements of the 3rd Partita. This one is definitely a happy one, with 4 sharps, and will be a bowing challege. I think it deals with the Resurrection of Christ. Will start developing my storyline earlier this time.

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