Literal Translations

Been trying to compose a piece on the piano today... and I'm not having much luck. First of all, I wanted to translate the things which happened in my life into musical notes, and what you get is just like if you translate Chinese into English word for word. So you would probably get idioms like 'Not 3, not 4' or 'Frog in the well'.

And I copied the accompaniment from somewhere, so if you guys hear me playing it, don't be surprised at the familiarity of it. (Althought I'm just as likely to get my hands off the keys once I notice anyone around me)

All these 'literal' translations are restricting my creativity. It's like I've got a mould of clay and want to shape it as creatively as I can, problem is, the gloves I'm wearing are made of stone.

But the irony of it all is that, I want my music to reflect my life. I don't want it to be a false impression of me. Somehow my playing just isn't me sometimes. I feel like I can still play with all the joy and freedom of Mozart after something bad has happened.

I don't know if all pianists face the same problem (perhaps some wouldn't call it a problem though), although most pianists I've come across don't give a crap about things like this. All they know is 'I see the score, I play', and that's not the right way.

Too many times have I seen pianists who *chinese idiom translated into english alert* act pro in front of the master, and don't know the true level of their strength. (Although I do admit, sometimes I'm just like them :P)

Piano, or any other musical instrument for that matter, including the voice, shouldn't be all about technique and fingerwork... I'm sure there's a certain part where only the heart can unlock. Although there are some pianists who have such good movement that it really sounds like they're really playing with all their feelings, only that the feelings are coming from the fingers and not the heart. It's like a vase which looks great, but has nothing inside.

Pianists should be playing with their hearts on their sleeves, and their full body moving in sync with their hearts...not the other way round.

Advice of the day: If you're not playing properly, go get a heart transplant. I recommend Chopin's heart, although it may be a bit rusty. Batteries not included.