Seymour Bernstein: SCHUMANN, Arabesque, Op.18
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- Schumann’s Arabesque is among the romantic works that elicit a wide variety of interpretations. I, personally, don’t like to listen to performances of the pieces I study. I prefer to come to my own conclusions. and then listen out of curiosity to see how other pianists interpret the compositions I am working on. In terms of tempo, Artur Rubinstein and I are the only pianists I have heard who take the opening theme of Arabesque leisurely. Everyone else races through it with breathless intensity, even though the English translation of Schumann’s indication is "light and tender.” More curious is that most pianists play sections B and C faster in contradiction to Schumann’s “etwas langsamer” (“somewhat slower”). I’m no exception. I confess that I did the same in my first performance of this work on You Tube, which I now will remove.
Perhaps it’s the age of 90 that has inspired me to probe this work with far greater introspection than I have in the past. Now that I know that most “hairpins” in romantic music mean rubato, and not cresc. and dim., I take more time whenever they appear. Moreover, I like to play the coda, Zum Shluss, Langsamer (‘slowly”) as Schumann indicated.
Finally, the question is “How fast is fast, and how slow is slow?” It is the human condition to respond as we see fit. There are no rules concerning tempo, even though composers often leave Metronome markings. But through the years, composers have come to place the word circa, meaning around, or approximately, before the Metronome number. Beethoven said it all when Schindler asked him “Master, how fast is this Allegro?” Beethoven's response must have amazed Schindler: “Allegro doesn’t mean fast,” Beethoven replied; “It means “merry.” The lesson we learn from this is that tempo indications are feelings, and not simply mathematical equations. Because we all think that the composers whisper their secrets in our ear, it is no wonder that there are interpretations for all seasons.
Seymour Bernstein
South Bristol, ME
08/28/2017
Dear Seymour, only a maestro who has come to know how to live from the heart can perform the way you do. Thank you for your wisdom and for living so courageously! Your documentary is simply wonderful! You have touched so many lives! You have certainly touched mine!
My dear Frederico, I have rarely received a compliment such as yours. It moved me deeply. My gratitude and heartfelt thanks to you.
Seymour
Dear Mr. Seymour, my desire to echo Mr. Federico’s beautiful comment even two years from its original time stamp simply demonstrates your timeless grace and sharing the gift that is you. Thank you as well. 🙏🌸 A beloved new fan
Dear Mr. Bernstein, Perhaps you should not mention that you have the age of 90 because your playing is beyond age, your tender light and at the same time strong spirit fills every note! That you removed your first performance from this work, says it all. You are incredible, and I wish from the deep of my heart you do not go into depression because we need you, your words and your playing 🌼…While listening to this performance that especially surprised and moved me at 6:12, the sun rises into the day! There ar three pianist- composers who played an immense part in my life and and always will, you are one of this three people...I call them the trees of my life ! Thank you so much 🌳!
My dear Daisy Roman, I can't tell you how moved and appreciative I am by your beautiful heartfelt note. You have been with me on the long journey through a lot of repertoire. I will take your advice to heart with deep gratitude and love.
Seymour
Dear Daisy, I don't know how I missed your very moving note to me, a note I will always cherish. Fear not. I will not go into depression. I feel as energetic as a young man. Your words meant a great deal to me. Heartfelt thanks and warm wishes to you.Seymour
Cette musique "lave" mon âme et enlève la couche d'anxiété!
The last two minutes of this piece always moves me to tears. For me, Arabesque is the most beautiful music Schumann ever wrote. Thank you so much for the slower, gentler tempo Mr. Bernstein. I always felt others rushed through it. I am also playing it slower now that I have your recording to always admire. I can finally hear Robert singing his love for Clara as you play. I wonder if you have ever seen the movie, A Song of Love with Katharine Hepburn about Robert Schumann, his wife and Johannes Brahms. It's one of my favorite movies. Hoping you are full of health, playing the piano everyday and inspiring people with your playing! Take care!
I love it so much. Such a beautiful tender opening. I absolutely agreed to your idea about tempo. Thank you for uploading it!
Dear Soo Yun, You used the perfect word in your note--"tender." That is what I tried to achieve for years. Thank you so much for your entgusiastic response. Kam Semnida.
Warm wishes to you.
Seymour
Your life, philosophy, and your performance have been encouraging me to be in warm, peaceful and in love. You may not know I've listening you and your piano while cooking, reading, and in the garden. I really appreciate you.
Junghee from South Korea.
I lean a lot by reading you, and my soul becomes wider when I listen to you.
Dear Danali, thank for this supreme compliment. It means a great deal to me. My gratitude and warm wishes to you. Seymour
Insightful, inspiring, heartfelt and wise. Thank you so much for sharing, Seymour.
Oh Birgit, I deeply appreciate your response as I appreciate you. In a sense this performance is a 90th birthday present to myself. It's one of the few performances I really approve of, Thank you, and much love.
Seymour..
The best tempo interpretation.
A mix of happy and sad emotions.
I don't know why this piece reminds me of Tiffany Poon. (also I bring some tears to the ending and eventually I think of her)
...such a beautiful and honest performance. thank you!
Dear Sun-A, how darling of you.I have always wanted to play this piece this way. I had wait until I was 90 to succeed. How was Italy? Did you perform with Jon? He told me that you included my name in the Cliburn bio, but that they shortened it. Why didn't you tell me? I scolded you for not mentioning me.
Speaking of Schumann, lots of people who heard the contest mentioned your Humoresque. It was your best. IF you had programmed other pieces to show off you phenomenal technique, you would have made it to the finals.
Enough of that. What are your plans now?
I return on Sept. 16 and have already gone into depression.
Love to you.
Doc Sy
Oh, thank you so very much for this sharing, both the Arabesque and your words. I heard the opening passages as calling me outdoors and into the moment, and I followed, so now I am listening to you play the Schumann Arabesque in our back yard next to the woods here perched above Puget Sound. I moved my editing work outside and it's heavenly. Wonder if any squirrels will come along? We even have something called a mountain beaver in our neighborhood; they are quite rare but frequent the hilly areas above the Sound. I will be sure to tell you if he makes an appearance today! Thank you again, dear Seymour.
Sabrina, this is so beautiful. You transported me to from my heaven here in Maine to your heaven perched above Puget Sound. Thank you so much for your response. It moved me deeply.
Seymour