I often meet artists who say they’re both a composer and a pianist -- or, a composer-violinist.
We talk about effective ways they can enjoy a fulfilling career doing both, while seamlessly presenting themselves as a composer-violinist.
Sometimes it's a three-for-all: composer, conductor and pianist.
A couple of seasons ago, I met Tamara.
Tamara: I wonder if you can help me by answering a question I've had for a long time.
Me: Sure, I'll try my best.
Tamara: I'm a composer, a singer and a witch. I want to fulfill each of those roles with equal attention and focus. Do I have to identify myself separately as each of my personas, or can I be all three at once?
Me: Yes, you can merge them, and over time. you'll bring each of them together as your single artistic persona or identity. I think merging your witch, composer and singer personas into one might be easier than you think. It's a natural organic process.
The incredibly talented Barbara Harrigan conducts and sings at the same time with stunning results.
What do you want your composer and singer audiences to know about the world of witches? How would you introduce your witch world to your classical music world?
What is the most important thing you would want them to know about witches and the world of witches?
Are there myths or misinformation you want to clear up or dispel?
As a composer and a singer, could you compose music, or produce a musical event where you could be yourself — both a musician and a witch?
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What do you want your witch world to know about classical music, and especially about your composer and singing world?
The obvious first step would be to introduce them to the presence of witches and witchcraft portrayed in classical music – Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain; Verdi: Macbeth; Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique.
I would go in a different direction. I would introduce them to the enigmatic events that take place in pieces of classical music that can only be described as "magical."
Schubert: Quintet in C major – Adagio (Second Movement): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWIFhH94f0E
Bach: Violin Partita No. 2 – Chaconne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOHiI_5yycU
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter" – Finale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofFQUuU84w
Copland: Appalachian Spring – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg_h0XoVDFA
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Tamara's story continues today – she's flourishing as a sorcerer, composer and singer in Salem, Massachusetts.
Yes. Salem, Massachusetts.
You don't always have to compartmentalize your multiple musical personalities.
P.S. Tamara and I did talk about how she might identify herself as a "Conjuror of Sounds," or as a “Sorcerer of Sounds.”
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You cast a spell on me It's so hard to be, it's so hard to see It's so hard to breathe Hear the pain in the melody those scars heal eventually
You put a spell on me Make me believe, make me foresee Everything I need This distance is killing me They never care how you doing mentally
Composer: Nick Prosker; Performed by the Satintones (1960)
