HELEN 5/20: Can’t believe four days have passed since I last wrote. However, wow, the music that has filled the space.
Fugue 18 was seven pages long. Prelude 17 reminded me of a Southern harmony.
One of the reasons I play the Well Tempered Clavier each summer is to hone my understanding of key relationships. Somewhere in the last few days I’ve begun to muse as I slog through these pieces, “What am I learning about key relationships from Shostakovich?” Something for us to discuss at the end of the month.
GRACE 5/20: Well I must say my sightreading is improving a lot reading all of this chromatic music! I can’t depend on my ear to correct me, so I’m getting better at just reading it.
I played catch up yesterday (oof). Had a contractor over doing some work, so I started with Bach (C sharp major book two) by way of apology then launched into Shosty 18 and 19. The whole time I’m reading it I’m thinking, “oh this poor man. I’m reading this chromatic music, badly, making this a hostile work environment.” But as he was leaving he was very complimentary! “You should play professionally! That music at the end there, that was really amazing!” I offered my surprise (“really? Shostakovich can be a bit of an acquired taste, I’m glad you enjoyed it”) and explained about the 24 pieces club. “Well, you’re doing great.”
Talked to my friend Alex (fellow podcast host, he knows more music theory than me) about it and he joked, “don’t you know chromaticism is an OSHA violation??”
CELIA 5/20: Sorry I haven’t been responding. I’m loving reading your updates every day. Our new baby Lydia is doing well, but refuses to nap unless someone is holding her! So, feeding her and holding her are the only things on my to-do list that are regularly happening this month.
I haven’t had a chance to play most of the preludes and fugues, but I have been enjoying listening to Ashkenazy play them. I have never listened to these pieces before and am finding them beautiful and intriguing. I can’t wait to discuss them with you soon.