AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Question David,
Can you possibly give me a description from a violonist's point of view re the "Meditation" from "Thais" by Massenet? I want to be able to describe the piece so that a reader (whether a musician or not) can "hear" and picture the piece in their mind's eye. I have been all over the Internet reading bits and pieces about it, but all they say is that of course everyone knows it and how beautiful it is. Well, I know that, but I want to be able to describe it intelligently. As I am not a musician (but a classical music lover) I have to rely upon a musician's understanding of it. For example, how does it feel to play it? Is it a difficult piece for a solo violin to play? What are its moods and colours? That sort of thing. I've been lucky when looking up other pieces to sometimes come across reviews of performances, but no luck with this one. I hope I've explained myself without confusing the issue. Regards, Lyn.
Answer Hi Lyn, I must say this is the most interesting question I have ever received. Having played the Meditation and heard it played by others on occasion, I will try to answer your question, which you did explain well.
I suppose the best single word for Meditation is "ethereal". Unlike a similar piece, Adoration, which is solid and majestic, Meditation is light, airy, and mostly reflects an aura of completely unpressured relaxation. Yet the piece is not abstract like Debussy, but possesses a special refinement somewhere in between that of Baroque and Romantic music (i.e. less refined than Mozart but more so than, say, Ravel, I think). When listening to this piece (and, i hope, when playing it!) one feels comfortable closing the eyes and imagining the flapping of angels' wings and the hiss as they soar by. Meditation opens with a very serene motif, and the very first notes (played only by piano) resemble gentle waves lapping a seashore at sunrise. The violin enters, sounding like a calm breeze, gradually growing stronger but remaining benign. The melody segues into a very forceful theme, perhaps representing the conflict of good and evil, but this conflict is short-lived and the ethereal mood quickly (but smoothly) takes over once again. Near the end, there is once again force, but it implies positive conclusion rather than threat. The finale seems to evoke imagery of a peaceful, starry night sky.
Meditation is technically easy, and any violinist moderately familiar with different violin positions up to about 4th position can probably play it competently. However, the musicality involved is immense, and one must practice it while in the proper mood to avoid merely producing notes. What separates the novice from the expert is the delivery of the different moods involved.
I hope this helps, Lyn. Good luck!
--David
