The Art of Rhythm - Telemann's G minor Fantasy

Here's the moment in my last chat with the inimitable Eva Legêne talking about the expressivity of rhythm in Telemann's G minor Fantasy. While it's good to know what affect certain rhythmic patterns may imply, we still have to bring them to life in actual playing, and what we see is not what we get in music!

So for example, the opening "anapest" rhythm (short-short-long, 2 eighths + 1 quarter) suggests action, something lively, maybe even violent. In this particular case, it's effective to *very slightly* rush the 8th notes and be sure to use the tongue stroke t-d'-t, which will give an energetic swing to the motif. The slight stopping of the tongue on the second 8th note (notice apostrophe in t-d'-t) before the quarter helps to give a rhythmic anchor and thus reinforcing the rustic sound of this movement. If we play this rhythmically correct and "straight", we won't arrive at the spirit of this music.

The "trochee" in the major section (long-short, dotted quarter + eighth) represents something gentler. In this case, be sure to lighten up in the air pressure at the end of the slur, slightly over dot the quarter and make the 8th note almost inaudible. This will give a sweeter expression compared to the boxy and spirited first section. Again compare this with playing it as written, I guarantee you'll never want to go back to that way.

Eva and I are so looking forward to NOV. 8TH to share with you the fun in connecting knowledge with artistry! Registration info: ​https://www.eventbrite.de/e/the-affect-in-rhythm-tickets-1450312366329