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Anthony Bernarducci
My
Thoughts:
 Dennis'
CD Yesterday Once More has changed me in many
ways, but it has taught me a tremendous amount about the creative process as
both a performer and composer; it has also given me some new insight into how
to approach a piece of music when it isn't possible to speak directly
to the composer. When the creative process really takes off, it is the most
powerful force an artist can encounter. The minute your ego gets involved or
your mind becomes rigid, you are stifling not only the process but more importantly
the composer's voice. As performers we have an obligation to find this
voice; it will not always be easy to do. However, the answer is always right
there in front of you. Discovering the smallest of nuances can change a whole
piece. To do this your ears must be open at all times. This is the highest
level of listening a musician can do. It is listening not only for tone, color,
and dynamics; it is listening for the composer's voice. There is a natural
evolution and organic flow that is embedded in this creative process. Knowing
when you are controlling it and when it is controlling you is the key.
To quote Dennis with some words that will stick in my mind forever:
"You must
be able to maintain a focus and vision while learning how to handle the forces
of creativity. Even when the creative forces are their strongest,
you must be able to step back and still see the miracle of creation and examine
its gifts of melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture."
My Approach:
Being a performing pianist, I realize that the most important and productive
work you can do while preparing any of these pieces is going as far away
from the piano as possible!! Yes, this is something that many pianists overlook
or were never even taught to do: Prepare and study a score away from the
piano. Doing this will help you tremendously and was always my first as well
as second step when first looking at one of Dennis' pieces. There are so
many intricate nuances that will easily be passed over once your hands get
in the way at the keyboard.
One suggestion of what to look for when studying the score is INNER VOICES.
Dennis' music is in a constant state of organic flow which cannot be disturbed.
For a pianist to just simply keep the melody clear and the tempo steady does
not come close to what this music calls for and needs. If you miss the interaction
with the inner voices, you're actually going to stifle the natural flow
of the piece. It would be like a chain built with links missing--it simply
will not hold together properly. Each note is part of a musical line which
is part of a phrase which is part of a larger phrase or gesture. This is the
organic flow I was talking about that ultimately makes up the structure of
the whole piece. When looking for these inner voices, it is important to look
at the music both vertically and horizontally to see as many nuances and much
interplay as you can.
Another concept to keep in mind while you are still away from the piano is
what this piece is trying to portray. The titles of all the pieces were thought
through carefully to help you and the listener link the human soul to the music;
take advantage of the titles. Much of this thinking about what each piece is
capturing will happen at the keyboard as well, but remember--this is all a
part of one, big, creative process. It will ultimately be up to your artistic
soul to interpret the printed notes; however, in order to do that, you must
first understand these printed notes and, most importantly, how they can help
you recognize and rekindle the musical essence that already exists in the piece
which originated in the composer's soul.
Please keep revisiting this site. From time to time, I will be offering performance
and interpretation hints on the individual pieces. You will be able to reference
my suggestions on each score's .pdf file.My Music:
I recently performed a piano recital in Bristol Chapel at Westminster. My program
included works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Copland, Debussy, Bernarducci
(me), and Leogrande's "Been There - Twice," track fifteen
on Yesterday Once More, which was written especially for this recital.
I'm currently working on my own CD, which I am once again recording
at Dennis' studio, and hope to have it released in the near future. I'd
like to share with you a few of my compositions.
Please click on a selection to listen to the entire composition. Also, please
keep checking back here for news of my CD release date and for free music downloads
of new music.
Anthony's tracks: Now
and Then One
Summer Day Some
Day Soon
I'd love to hear your comments about my works and about my performances
on the CD Yesterday Once More. Please contact me with your comments,
thanks. You may order the CD and sheet music (all fifteen pieces spiral bound)
by clicking here - thank you!
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