Last Friday, in the heart of a bustling city, amidst the hum of traffic and the flurry of everyday life, lies a sanctuary where the timeless melodies of Johann Sebastian Bach come alive. It was within this sanctuary, the public library in Escondido, that I recently had the privilege of attending a meeting with the Music Teacher Association of California, captivating lecture by Craig Richey a renowned expert on Bach and his music. The experience was nothing short of transformative, offering profound insights into the intricate beauty of Bach's compositions and the art of interpretation.
Mr. Richey a distinguished scholar with a deep understanding of Bach's oeuvre, took to the stage with an aura of quiet authority. His love for the subject was evident from the moment he began to speak, his words infused with a palpable enthusiasm that held the audience captive.
The lecture delved into various facets of Bach's music, from the soaring melodies that seem to transcend time to the intricate harmonies that weave a rich tapestry of sound. Mr. Richey spoke eloquently about Bach's mastery of counterpoint, highlighting the composer's ability to interweave multiple voices in a seamless dance of sound.
One of the key themes that emerged from the lecture was the importance of articulation and phrasing in Bach's music. Mr. Richey emphasized the need for performers to pay careful attention to the nuances of expression, guiding us through passages where subtle shifts in articulation could transform a mere sequence of notes into a deeply emotive experience. The most illuminating aspect of the lecture was Mr. Richey's insights into the art of interpretation. Drawing on his own experiences as a performer, he offered invaluable advice on how to breathe life into Bach's compositions, urging us to look beyond the notes on the page and uncover the hidden depths of meaning beneath.
Throughout the lecture, examples from Bach's vast repertoire were brought to life through live demonstrations, allowing us to hear firsthand the transformative power of interpretation from the playful exuberance of Minuet in G Major to the profound sound of Brandenburg Concertos.
Mr. Richey recommended a valuable resource: "A Practice Guide" by Richard Troeger. This book, he explained, serves as a guiding light, illuminating the intricate pathways of Bach's music step by step, aiding in a deeper understanding of its complexities and nuances. As we navigated through the lecture, Craig's recommendation lingered in the air, echoing the sentiment that unlocking Bach's genius requires diligent study and careful guidance.
In the end, my meeting with MTAC and lecture with Craig Richey served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to transcend time and space, touching the hearts and minds of all who dare to listen. As I stepped out into the bustling city once more, the melodies of Bach echoed in my mind, a timeless reminder of the beauty that lies at the intersection of melody, harmony, and interpretation.
In the picture below you see the director of the northern branch of San Diego MTAC Joanne Stohs and Graig Richey.
