Music Lesson with Sojin

Instructor: Sojin, wonderful to hear you again. Great. You know, you're playing wonderfully, a beautiful sound.

Historical Context

Instructor: By playing this pasakale, we must understand a little bit of the history behind every sound. There is a story.

• Shostakovich and Controversy: You know about the controversial politics regarding composers in the Soviet Union. In 1938, the Union of Composers and the government decided there was an article in the newspaper highlighting "formalism in music." They argued against 20th-century composers' new innovations, moving away from traditional harmony and roots.

• Notable Composers: Victims of this included Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Khachaturian. After the first performance of Shostakovich's concerto, there were no critiques, no resonance in the newspapers. Even David Oistrakh had to write to the newspaper, stating, "I think this is one of the most important works of the 20th century," expressing surprise at the lack of response.

The Significance of the Pasakale

Instructor: The history shows that Shostakovich's Violin Concerto is one of the greatest creations, not just of the 20th century but in the realm of many great composers. This piece stands alongside the most wonderful works, like those of Beethoven and Brahms.

• Multidimensional Nature: The pasakale is incredibly multidimensional. Shostakovich gives you, the soloist, this phenomenally written, beautiful harmonic theme that recurs throughout the piece.

• Understanding Depth: Consider it like entering a beautiful room in a house; you appreciate it but don't realize what's downstairs or up in the roof. Without understanding the foundation, you can't fully appreciate this piece with the right mindset.

Importance of Foundation

Instructor: It's all about priority. Without a solid foundation, the building collapses.

• Here, in this particular piece, the most critical element is the pasakale. It features a bold, minimalistic theme that recurs multiple times until the cadenza, which suddenly cuts away.

• Philosophical Insight: There is a philosophical undertone to this: while we enjoy life and make decisions, there are supernatural forces guiding us. We must trust in this light, whatever we call it, appreciating and following it, no matter our struggles or joys.

Performance Insights

Instructor: We are all essential; everything matters here, but it's about prioritizing. When the pasakale comes, it's fate, always there, regardless of the hundreds of themes you might compose.

• Instruments in Harmony: The other instruments, like brass or bassoons, may try to shine, but if they overcome the fate, it will not work. They are attempting to lead, which is a mistake. They should be expressive without losing the connection to the pasakale.

Practical Advice

Instructor: Now, let's try this. Remember, the tempo must remain unbroken.

• Integration with Accompaniment: As you play, integrate beautifully, but always recognize how the other instruments glide with you. Do not ignore their presence.

• Danger of Overexpression: It's dangerous to attract too much attention to yourself while playing. However, at home, practice humming the pasakale until its essence lives within you.

The Essence of Music

Instructor: Shostakovich, as with other great composers, used the phenomenon of music to communicate messages beneath conscious awareness. The stronger you recognize the message, the more effectively it'll resonate with the audience.

• Maintaining Focus: Ensure you do not distract from the pasakale. Begin with untouched beauty, connecting to the melodies without any flutter.

Reaching a Tranquil State

Instructor: This pauses hold great significance, like meditation, reaching a state of peace where no thoughts interrupt you.

• Exploring Nothingness: Recognize that you must become more than a violinist; you must become a magician. It's within this silence that listeners experience magic and connection.

Concluding Thoughts

Instructor: Every experience, struggle, and happiness in your life leads you to a point where creation begins anew.

• Building Intensity: As you progress, develop intensity gradually, similar to pacing yourself in a marathon; start simple, then build to an exhilarating finish.

Instructor: Thank you very much! Let's continue exploring this beautiful work together.