Video Archive

TIME FOR THREE: Seeing is Believing

If my attempt to explain a new kind of performing approach for classical musicians seems confusing or unclear, maybe seeing what I am talking about will help. 

In many ways, Time for Three is the embodiment of the kind of performing style I've been trying to describe. Yes, these are classically trained musicians, some of whom still play in orchestras (Violinist Zachary De Pue, for example, is the concertmaster of the Indianapolis Symphony). They all met at Curtis where their group began.

Notice the joy and interaction between the players. There is no fear that they are going to miss a note, no hint of a reserved, formal, impersonal attitude. They write or arrange most of their own music and therefore have a highly improvised approach. In short, I find their performing incredibly alive, human, and most of all - FUN!

ROBERT LEVIN: On Improvisation

Pianist and Musicologist Robert Levin (Harvard University) demonstrating and commenting on improvisation in the classical music world. He is, as far as I know, one of the only actively performing classical musician who improvises.  If you hear 5 consecutive performances of his, you will hear 5 completely different cadenzas. 

For his commentary, start at 1:20 and then again at 6:08. His demonstration at 7:15 is particularly good.

EUROPA GALANTE: The Four Seasons Renewed

An excerpt from the Italian Baroque orchestra: Europa Galante - 3rd movement of "Summer" from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi. If you are like me, this piece has been so overplayed, you want to vomit when it comes on the radio. That's until I realized my reaction is due to drab performances, not because of the piece.

I love to fire and intensity of their playing. They aren't staying in the polite bounds of good taste - they are trying to communicate. I particularly like the improvised feel of the cadenzas and when they literally start thumping their instruments at 1:50 for an added affect.