“What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?” According to the New Harvard Dictionary of Music:
…interpretation is often thought of as the individual performer’s unique and personal contribution to the [performance] of a work. (399)
So, how do you learn how to interpret music?
- The first post in the series showed how to get effective performances using mental imagery.
- Likewise, today’s interpretation post will show you how to use your imagination to become the character.
Barry Green quotes a soprano who describes her strategy for performing:
I decided to [focus] on the character of the old lady. We turned out the lights, and I sat slumped in a chair for a few minutes. Then I began just speaking the text of the song as though I was an old woman.
I found myself close to tears. When the lights came on again, I felt peaceful and assured. I knew I had become the old woman, and my sense of myself as a singer had disappeared… The music flowed through me… (94-95)
Your imagination is powerful. If you want to create a memorable performance, you need to link into your imagination.