mahaberio

I was recently researching Scelsi and he had a statement regarding all of his solo works that really helped shape my approach. He said that they are "To be heard and played with the utmost interior calm - no agitation, please."

Making these pieces sound calm and easy adds an extra layer of difficulty as they are already incredibly demanding, but musically it really makes sense. They way I like to approach the pieces from what I know is Scelsi is very similar a meditation, and who is agitated when they meditate?

A little off-topic, I know; but I can never resist chiming in when Scelsi comes up.

-Matthew

ecarroll

Matthew,

The Scelsi story that I just heard from a source in the band relates the composer, a very, very wealthy man, not wishing to leave his limo during an outdoor festival concert that featured one or more of his works. He opted instead to simply roll the back window down until he had heard enough, then motored off into the Roman evening.

I suppose that this is how he controlled his own agitation.

Ah, la dolce vita!

Best,
EC