Flute-Playing, J.J. Quantz, and the Night Sky

Here's a Facebook post from last week, where I did a special series on how I relate early music to the night sky during International Dark Sky Week: 

We are in International Dark Sky Week! This is a week to be aware of our night sky, which is a natural AND a cultural heritage for every one of us.
One of the most amazing experiences under the night sky is that you begin to appreciate the subtle differences between light and dark. Every bit of light, every fine shading or shadow is noticed and not taken for granted, which is completely different compared to our normally light-flooded conditions. Applying that to music, Johann Joachim Quantz and many others refer to a nuanced playing which "maintains LIGHT AND SHADOW" and is varied. We can apply the concept of light and shadow towards all aspects of flute-playing, whether dynamics, articulation, sound color and so on. This will make a performance unique, memorable, and moving - all what a musician hopes for!

In each of the above images, you see a whole palette of light and dark tones which we cannot experience during daytime. The night sky teaches me to not forget to bring that same fascination and wonder into our music-making.

Well, how can we protect the night? We are all dependent on nature's day and night rhythm to structure our life's rhythm. We need darkness to have true sleep so that our body can perform certain vital functions that are only possible in that state. Protection of the night doesn't mean eliminating light, but SMART use of light. Check out the International Dark-Sky Association website for their recommendations in light fixtures and consider transforming your home to more dark sky friendly. Imagine if you could see the Milky Way right from your backyard!