Saturday, February 14, 2009

Of Pianos and Violins

You know what's interesting about these two instruments? Hm. I know I am not a music critic and that I am far from one, so this one's just kind of out of the blue thinking for me. But what I like about those two is the way they contrast with each other, yet maintaining the harmony and blending required for a harmony to work out.
For me, a piano is a soft instrument. An instrument which relaxes not only the listener, but also the one playing the piece. True, there are really some over-the-top, uber-eccentric music pieces which are too strong even when played on the piano. Nevertheless, the calming effect of the piano is still there, just like the soothing hand of a mother caressing her child. (Okay, so I know I am a bit dramatic there, but still...) This is in definite contrast with that of the violin. A violin is dramatic, romantic and melancholic. Unlike the piano which whispers words to the listener, the violin pleads, begs and makes the listener feel every note of its sorrow or joy. And this, I believe is what makes the violin the most mysterious instrument. It doesn't invite you to share the same feeling the piece has, but rather, it makes you feel it, makes you touch it and takes you deeper than you could ever imagine, whether you like it or not.
Maybe they really are contrasting, given that one is the simple and basic form while the other is the complicated and twisted one. However, despite this big difference, their harmony just can't be equalled. Whether it's about one balancing the other, or just plain blending, I can't really tell. Hmm... maybe opposites really attract, eh?

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