The Concept of Musical Harmony Explained in Five Levels of Difficulty, Starting with a Child & Ending with Herbie Hancock
A Look At Dreams Through Opera In ‘To Rome With Love’
Throughout the film, Allen chooses numerous operatic selections including “Nessun Dorma” and selections of “Pagliacci.” The “Nessun Dorma” is interesting as it used for Giancarlo’s audition. This is an aria that ends in triumph and is generally an audience pleaser. But Allen subverts the idea and shows Giancarlo fail as he cracks on the “vincero.” It is literally a failure rather than a victory.
And the Pagliacci is also interesting as it deals with show business. Canio is attempting to live a happy life with Nedda as he goes through the obstacles of his career. Throughout the scene where Giancarlo is performing “Pagliacci” in the shower, there are three portions of the opera that are clearly intentional in the film. The first is the opening when Canio tells the crowds that they will be giving a show, “a ventitre ore,” the show being Giancarlo in the shower performing as Jerry’s experiment. Then there is “Vesti la giubba” which is a display of a man suffering but having to continue the show regardless of his personal life. And the end is the death scene when Canio says “la comedia e finita,” the comedy is over. These lines end the show but in the film it also means that Giancarlo is done with Jerry’s experiment and his farce.
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Interview: Francesca Dego, Violinist
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
I was very determined already at an early age and my mum used to tell me that if I really wanted to be a violinist I had to be responsible about it and practice. I would huff and puff about it but then agree. One of the best things about practicing is that it gives you daily goals and the more focused you are while working the less actual time is needed to achieve them. My advice to all young musicians would probably be similar to what my mother used to tell me: if you love it and it’s what you want to do never give up and remember that the only person in control of what progress you make is you.
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Jenna Fischer On Acting
Fischer is familiar with how frustrating the process can be, especially when one hasn’t landed a job in some time. She has encouraging words for those who find themselves in that common position:
Don’t start to believe that you don’t have what it takes just because you’re facing road blocks and frustration. Part of the test of becoming a working actor is being able to be resilient and work through those road blocks in whatever way you can.
As long as you are getting messages and small successes along the way, you need to have a good judgment of your progress. If you are in the same place you were four years ago, then maybe this isn’t the thing for you or maybe you are simply not doing the right thing to get ahead.
If you are getting callbacks, have a talent agent and each year is better than the last, then you are probably on the right track.
The number one lesson is that you must create your own work with other artists and create your own momentum. You can’t wait for other people to jump and give you jobs.
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A Big Choir Sings Patti Smith’s “Because the Night”
Creativity Is Contagious
Interview: George Fu, Pianist
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
External success in our line of work is ephemeral at best, because there is always more to do: another work to master, another concert to play, another corner in the score left unturned. There are so few reliable markers of validation in art, so turning outside in search of success usually leaves people feeling bitter and confused.
It’s probably better to focus on different things. Did I prepare thoroughly? Was my playing authentic? Did that program work organically? What could I have done differently (probably most important!)? True success is an attitude, not a destination.
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