Next week I will be rehearsing and performing Webern's Symphony. It's a piece I didn't know but the first time I listened to it, it really resonated quite deeply with me. I always enjoy working on "modern" (define modern...) music. It was composed in 1928, ninety years ago, so not that modern. It puts me in touch with a part of my brain that isn't particularly dominant - logic!! It's very mathematical, another of my weaker points, and through working on this kind of music, there is an expression, intimacy and freedom to be found that is quite different from the musical genres I usually interpret.
About four years ago I performed ST10-1 by Xenakis, an amazing chamber piece for 10 players, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I remember when I first saw the score wondering how on earth I was going to manage it, to crack the code, but after initially freaking out, I broke it down into small chunks and found the very challenging sections and the slightly easier sections where I could just sit back and relax (a bit!) Luckily I had the score a couple of months before the concert so I was able to chip away at it over quite a long period of time, and I listened to as many recordings as I could as often as I could. There were days where I wanted to throw it, the harp and myself out of the window!
Webern was similarly economical in his instrumentation - the Symphony is scored for 9 players and is an intriguing work. I have realised that over the years I have gained quite a substantial orchestral repertoire and I enjoy going to new levels with pieces I know quite well, so this piece is a refreshing and interesting challenge. I have been reminded to trust and enjoy the process - ten days ago it sounded like nothing; today, as I took a step back and listened, I felt I might get there....
