When in doubt, start with a triangle--and item that can ring even with the strike of a pencil. Indeed, it is a simple instrument that marks time with another instrument that marks a page. Dont be afraid, Chabrier. Hit the triangle a few times for a nice ding and then get to work. Thats how the piece begins! Now, maintain the pleasant workmans attitude for as long as possible. No unpleasantness in the music. Dont let them know youd rather be eating wine and cheese along the river, Chabrier. And, ignore the mental crocodiles swimming just off of the page. And of course, even with these optimistic approaches towards a swim in the musical Nile, as with any project, it ends up being more work once underway, dear Chabrier. Yet the language burns brighter as the composer (yes, thats you, Chabrier) hits a stride (enter a pair of clarinets in unison)... the direction of purpose can be felt, and at the very end... victory! The sharp dots with accent marks declare the work is fini, but only arrived at with some labored panache. Thats how it is done in France... not too much work... music should never be a labor--or so it should appear. It is ART. And this is the path to a fantastic French tradition for anyone brave enough to wade in these swift nationalistic waters. So why arent there any crocodiles in France? They would have made an afternoon of wine and cheese a taste more interesting. Back to the pencils... sharpened for the next encounter on the Nile! And so goes a day in the composing life of Chabrier, as written like a Far Side cartoon. Youre welcome.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:52 +0000