The CCHK’s final semester salon will explore possibilities of melodic ornamentation in the music of Mozart and Chopin presented by CCHK Visiting Fellow Gebriel Merril-Steskal. By examining model compositions with written out ornaments of repeated themes, we can learn not only how to embellish one instance of a theme, but also how to structure a series of variations over time in an organic way. In the words of C.P.E. Bach: “Good embellishments must be distinguished from bad, the good must be correctly performed, and introduced moderately and fittingly” (from his Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments). Here, we will take a closer look especially at the second half of Bach’s instruction, and see how to introduce ornaments “moderately and fittingly” to a piece with extensive repetition. In addition, Gabriel will touch on the 19th-century practice of preluding, or linking pieces together in performance.
The salon will last just over an hour and will be followed by a light reception, to which all are invited.
This event is co-sponsored by The Society for Humanities.
Join us on Friday, May 9th at the historic A.D. White House at 5pm. This event is free and open to the public.
