Chaconne #31 – January 23 10:30am – Tarrytown NY

at the JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY just next to Hyatt Doubletree.

371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, phone (914) 366-7898

Admission $5

http://shamesjcc.org/events/2017/01/23/events/j.s.-bach-journey-of-100-lecture-performance/

 

4 thoughts on “Chaconne #31 – January 23 10:30am – Tarrytown NY”

  1. JOURNEY of 100 #31 – JCC on Hudson January 23, 2017

    Shem,
    I was transfixed by your performance today at JCC. Aside from exposure to the greatness of Master Bach, to experience your interpretation in such a small venue allowed for a personal connection with the music which is indescribable. As I allowed the music to come into me, without boundary, without guard, the experience was almost shattering. I emerged drained.

    As to the message Bach intended (or not) to transmit, to me, the subject of this piece is about life (fully-lived) versus death (nothingness, the end). The emotional contrast Bach expresses veers from frivolity in pizzicato strains to morbid, dying embers in minor base tones. Listening to you play this extremely biographically-revealing piece by the master allows us a doorway into existential crisis should we allow ourselves to submit to the glory of the work.

    I cannot say enough about your skill and generosity in sharing your playing of this very personal work. The mystery to me is how you were ever able to memorize it all. I am in your debt for sharing this experience with me. I do hope to hear you again and look forward perhaps to your rendition of the sonatas.

    As an aside, since the argument has been made that Bach was a zealously religious composer, I wonder if you’ve seen the scholarly article in the Jan. 2nd article of The New Yorker, about Bach’s unruly obsession with God titled Holy Dread. The author makes a strong case for Bach’s piety expressed in his St. John Passion. Alex Cross explores music theory in great detail and text, “Herr, unser Herrscher” to validate his case of the religious Bach, immersed in the climate of the day. How amazing for you to allow us to experience, directly, the man, the personal Bach without the need for words or dogma.

    Thank you so much!

  2. Vivian, thank you so much for your comments. As this was a lecture and a performance, this was the first time I shared my thoughts as to Bach’s (possible) personal motivation in writing the piece. Regardless as to whether these ideas are so or not, you, me and many previous listeners all share the same experience: as you say, of his depiction of struggle in life, the loss of death, and, as one of our fellow listeners remarked, his expression of Divine Grace amidst it all.

    And thank you ten-fold for your appreciation of Bach’s music as separate and distinct from superficial, dry analysis, and dogma. sg

  3. Reflections: Feeling and hearing the intensity of the Chaconne in an intimate setting was a quieting experience. The integration of Shem Guibbory’s performance, the stillness of the audience, as if holding its breath, and the vibrations of the violin so close- I almost didn’t realize it happened till it was over, so complete was my involvement. It’s rare to have this kind of experience. Shem – Thank you for providing us with your passion and art. Linda

  4. Shem,
    I wanted to add a comment related to your lecture at JCC in Tarrytown. You mentioned that you purchased your violin from David Segal. My daughter, who is now an adult studied violin with Anna Pellekh at Hoff Barthelson for many years and we purchased an “old” violin from David Segal as well. I helped her select it. It has rich, dark tones which I so appreciate in violin sounds. Interesting paths that cross.

    Vivian

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