Music! Its Role and Importance in Our LivesChapter 18: The Classical and Romantic PeriodsFrom the TopName: Patrice Jackson Patrice Jackson on performing Fantasy Pieces on the From the Top radio show: Q: What are your thoughts and feelings about this piece of music? A: I love this piece. It brings back memories of a storyline. I don't have one in particular, but I always think of myself as an "older" person who has a lifelong story to tell the audience without the use of words. The title "Appassionato" has a lot to do with my feeling of yearning and longing for something. Q: What is unique or special about this piece of music? A: This piece is very unique in the way that Schumann had the ability to convey various emotions through the way he voiced the cello lines and how the piano and cello lines intermingle. For example, at the beginning of the last movement (not heard on the broadcast) the cello starts off with fast sixteenth notes with the piano and then all of a sudden, the cello sings a very melodic line for a few bars and then returns back to the sixteenth notes passage. This is very beautiful because to me, it seems that Schumann didn't want the cello to scream this beautiful line alone. He wanted to add drama by adding the sixteenth notes with it. And, if that wasn't enough, he added the sixteenth notes in the piano with the cello. Beautifully done! Q: What was it like preparing for and appearing on From the Top? A: As I can recall, I wasn't nervous about playing on From the Top. I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to be on the radio, but I was ecstatic about meeting Chris O'Riley! I had heard many of his recordings and I thought I hit the jackpot to both perform and speak with Mr. O'Riley! It was definitely something I will never forget and I am thankful for that opportunity. |  |
