I've been revisiting and studying intensively J.S. Bach's Sonata in B-minor this past week. I'm a little obsessed about this sonata and think we flutists (and harpsichordists!) should really be thankful that Bach left us such a fantastic piece of work. Every time there is something new to discover, or at least a special detail to be reminded of. It's like looking at an intricate piece of lace and you discover a whole universe in how the threads are connected and intertwined with each other. To be honest, in many passages I'm actually quite jealous at the harpsichordist who get to play the part. It already begins with the opening motif!

The top left photo shows an incredible moment in the harpsichord part right before the crazy trill. While I was aware of this passage, somehow to see it again in print made a refreshed impression on me. That is just like "OUCH" and then you start the descent into the abyss, if you would. We want to hear a proper resolution to E but instead we get a weird cluster of notes and that stinging minor 9th. There's a similar passage later on toward the end between the flute and harpsichord, but I feel the dissonance there doesn't have that same kind of immediacy when separated between two voices. But of course, maybe you don't want to do the same trick twice...

I discovered also this peculiar rhythm in the Presto, shown on the top right. It repeats itself in the next bar but doesn't appear anywhere else. While attention should be paid to the serious fugue theme happening right there in the left hand, that is Bach being really facetious in this otherwise very stern movement. If only I could be the harpsichordist.

What do you find awesome in this sonata? 

Prints of "Path to Peace" are available for purchase at the following events:
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- Sunday May 1st at the 2022 European Dark Sky Symposium in Fulda, Germany
- Friday May 13th at the Musik zur Marktzeit concert series in Eppstein, Germany, 15:30 in the Talkirche. 
- Friday May 27th at my concert, Galway Early Music Festival in Galway, Ireland.
- Saturday May 28th at my presentation, Galway Early Music Festival.

With each purchase of this print for 50€, 25€ will be donated to the ​​Ukrainian Red Cross Society. In order to maximize the funding amount going towards this goal, the print is mainly intended for on-location purchases. Local pick-up within the Rhein-Main region of Germany is possible. 
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To learn more about this fundraiser, please click on "🇺🇦 HELP UKRAINE".

Just got the news that I've been selected to present at the 2022 European Dark Sky Symposium, this year taking place in Fulda, Germany from April 30th-May 2nd. I'll be talking about how the natural night sky experience has influenced my musical trajectory and the wisdom it imparts on aesthetics and interpretation. Am feeling very excited to meet people from completely different fields! Currently, my presentation is scheduled for Sunday May 1st at 5:20pm, at the Vonderau Museum in Fulda. 

Our benefit concert was a great success! With a turnout of around 80 people, we were able to collect 3000€. All proceeds will be going to the Monstrov organization, which is based in Odessa and the beloved hometown of our pianist Anna Tyshayeva. I thank all the performers and donors who showed us their heartfelt support that evening. 

The woman holding my photo is Larysa, who fled Ukraine and arrived recently in Germany. She still has family in Ukraine. To her left is Lence, a nurse from Frankfurt who, upon receiving the last print available at our concert, decided to give it to Larysa as a gift in the name of Ukraine. It was a very touching moment for all of us. To encounter someone in real life and hearing her story in person had a tremendous impact on me.

I'm very grateful that all my prints are somewhere out there now, hopefully serving as a small reminder of peace and solace. In fact, it is on backorder and for those who want to donate and receive "Path to Peace" from me, you'd still have the chance to do so. For further details, please get in touch with me directly.