Archived under: Deep thoughts | Musicians & musicianship
What Makes a Performance Great?
Listening to music, looking at fine art or in appreciating a great meal, what is it that makes the experience great, memorable and worthy of praise and adoration?
This question leads to the topic of artistry versus virtuosity. It is one of endless fascination to me.
Is it the overlap between artistry and virtuosity that defines a work of art as being great?
For myself, overly-technical and spotlessly clean music performances — while impressive — fall a bit flat after the “wow” factor wears off.
Wildly interpretative performances on the other hand are both exciting and confusing. A handful of overly demonstrative concert soloists make me wince a little. Possibly a byproduct of my mercurial nature, but I am tempted to mock overly-demonstrative gestures — flying hands, flailing hair and stomping feet.
Perhaps what defines this common ground of greatness is a personal thing – a matter of personal taste.
A recent article on web design — “The Difference Between Art and Design” — delves into this topic head-on. The main points set off fireworks in my head.
Interpolating this article specifically to music, some interesting questions began to surface:
- Artistic interpretations inspire, technical virtuosity motivates.
An technically-minded performer isn’t inventing something new but is rather conveying a message that already exists — with a driven purpose. An artistically sensitive musician strives to make a strong connection between themselves and their audience – they want to inspire.
Ever listen to a performance where afterward you wanted to go practice?
- Good art is a talent, good technique is a skill.
Some famous musicians seem to be born and blessed with a great artistic ability. However, you do not have to be a great artist with a huge personality from birth to be a good musician. Sometimes you just need to achieve the goals of the performance.
- Good art is interpreted, good technique is understood.
With auditions in particular, solid technique is a must. Missed notes and “clams” are not allowed. On the other hand, conveying some personality can add the extra spice that wins the position.
This being said:
- Good art sends a different message to everyone, good technique sends the same message to everyone.
Check out the complete article and share what you think below. It certainly got me thinking.
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