Music! Its Role and Importance in Our Lives

Chapter 3: Experiencing Music

From the Top

Name: Elena Urioste
Age: 15
Instrument: Violin
Hometown: North Wales, PA

Elena Urioste on performing Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25 on From the Top's radio show:

Q: What are your thoughts and feelings about this piece of music?

A: Carmen Fantasy by Sarasate is one of my absolute favorite pieces to play. It's a fiery, free showpiece, which basically means that for the performer, anything goes! I try to visualize Carmen, a seductive Spanish woman who dazzles anyone she meets. My favorite parts of the piece are any lyrical passages where you can practically see Carmen beckoning to her followers, in sort of a "come hither" way. All in all, this piece is a blast to play!

Q: What is unique or special about this piece of music?

A: Unfortunately, in the classical music repertoire, the number of Spanish composers and Spanish-sounding pieces is very limited. Being Hispanic, this piece hit very close to home, which made it even more of a treat to play. It's always easier to play a piece if you can identify with it.

Q: What was it like preparing for and appearing on From the Top?

A: Both of my experiences with playing on From the Top have been fantastic. The staff puts you immediately at ease, so you forget that you're playing on national radio! It feels more like an informal game show than a high-pressure classical performance! And of course, meeting the other talented musicians on the show and playing with Chris O'Riley is so inspiring.