Return

Traditionally, individual practice is considered the core of the programme/development of a violinist/musician based on a core repertoire of solo works. For the violinist, Bach's solo sonatas are the 'urpensum' par excellence. The main emphasis of the work takes place in an individualized space. The solo sonata is the royal road to mastering both the solo violinist's and the orchestral violinist's space of expression.

'Return' aims to raise awareness of the path to insightful solo playing and investigate whether a different emphasis on the relationship between the individual and collective dimensions of rehearsal and practice can promote the musician's insight. The focal point of the project is a transcription of J.S. Bach's Solo Sonata in D minor, in sections for string orchestra and chamber ensembles, arranged by Kuno Kjærbye.

In the project's development phase, Arne Balk-Møller recreates Bach's Solo Sonata, in collaboration with Kuno Kjærbye and classical students from the Danish National Academy of Music in collective transformative processes involving both composition and improvisation.

The solo sonata is recreated in several versions:

1) Solo Sonata with orchestral accompaniment

2) Embedded the expressions and experiences of the participants:

a) Tuttisonata (large ensemble)

b) Impromptus (small ensemble)

The improvisational process is based on David Dolan's method for teaching classical improvisation. The method aims to combine the use of know-how (structural, stylistic, textual and harmonic awareness) with real-time flow and cretive spontaneity, as well as Alfred Zimmerlin's work with free improvised music, his interest in the heterogeneity of musical genres and forms, and the layers of time that can be called "cultural memory".

The goal is to derive a methodology that can be applied to any work.

The project is funded through a grant from the Danish Ministry of Culture.