373 - Matthew Wilkinson - Mystical Bach and the Breakdown of Music
Jan 5, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Matthew Wilkinson, an accomplished organist and conductor, dives deep into the symbolic richness of Bach's organ works. He explores how Bach's 'Klavierübung III' intertwines theological themes with musical structure, reflecting the Trinity. The conversation also highlights the narrative arc in music akin to a hero's journey, alongside the complexities of fugues. Furthermore, Wilkinson examines the evolution of music from the Baroque era to postmodernism, showcasing how artistic philosophies shape emotional experiences.
Bach's organ compositions embody profound spiritual and catechetical elements, reflecting the entirety of the Christian faith through intricate musical narratives.
The discussion highlights the Trinitarian symbolism within Bach's work, particularly the significance of the number three in its structural arrangement and thematic elements.
The podcast addresses contemporary music's evolution towards postmodernism, emphasizing the reintegration of hierarchy and beauty found in minimalist compositions like those of Arvo Pärt.
Deep dives
Bach's Magnum Opus: Spiritual Significance
Bach's longest organ work is highly regarded for its spiritual and catechetical elements, encapsulating essential aspects of the Christian faith through music. This piece portrays the entirety of the Christian life, including baptism, Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. The selection of an all-encompassing image reflects the intention behind the work, which embodies the fractal patterns akin to the cosmic order, also referred to as the 'music of the spheres.' This mystical quality elevates the composition, revealing Bach's profound connection to spirituality and music as a vehicle for expressing faith.
Understanding the Klavierübung
The podcast discusses Bach's 'Klavierübung,' which translates to 'keyboard practice,' consisting of multiple volumes aimed at enhancing technique and improvisation. The third part specifically focuses on organ music, presenting a comprehensive exposition of chorale treatments, echoing the tradition of German Lutheran hymns. Bach meticulously explores various influential chorale melodies, showcasing his unique artistry and dedication to the Lutheran faith through these sacred musical interpretations. This segment highlights Bach's ability to incorporate didactic and liturgical elements into his compositions.
Trinitarian Structure in Bach's Music
The structure of Bach’s organ work is analyzed for its Trinitarian elements, particularly in the arrangement of 27 movements, emphasizing the number three as a symbolic representation of the Trinity. Notably, both the opening prelude and concluding fugue are crafted in three sections, reinforcing a triadic structure embedded throughout the piece. The choice of E-flat major, which consists of three flats, adds another layer of Trinitarian symbolism, enhancing the overall cohesion of the composition. This intricate theological reflection, paired with sophisticated musical techniques, provides rich insight into Bach's spiritual intentions.
Contrapuntal Harmony and Duality
The podcast delves into the concept of duality within Bach's contrapuntal music, which masterfully balances subject and countersubject, revealing an intrinsic hierarchy. Each voice in a fugue contributes to a harmonious interplay, suggesting a divine order that mirrors the relationship between heaven and earth. Techniques such as imitative counterpoint create a dynamic conversation among the musical lines, demonstrating how diverse voices coexist within a framework of unity. This notion of hierarchy emphasizes the beauty of reconciliation within music, highlighting the complexity of relationships between contrasting elements.
Postmodernism and the Resurrection of Beauty
The discussion transitions to postmodernism's effects on music, emphasizing a shift towards creativity that allows for the reintegration of hierarchy and beauty in contemporary compositions. Notable examples such as Arvo Pärt illustrate this return to sacred themes, as he employs minimalist structures to evoke a transcendent experience similar to Bach's music. The podcast highlights how Messiaen captures this mystical essence through his innovative harmonic language, which draws listeners into a deeply emotional and spiritual journey. Ultimately, the conversation encapsulates a broader cultural narrative that recognizes the enduring impact of classical music traditions on modern artistry.
For this interview I have a great discussion with organist, pianist, conductor, arranger, and recording artist Matthew Wilkinson, who also happened to put together the Symbolic World intro music. We delve into the symbolism of music, particularly focusing on Bach's organ works. The discussion also touches on the evolution of musical styles from the Baroque period to the Classical, modern and postmodern eras, the historical context of music, from the music of the spheres to modern dissonance, and how these concepts reflect broader ideas about hierarchy and opposites.
Support Matthew Wilkinson's wonderful work: Check out his website and buy his CD: https://matthewwilkinson.net/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/24DSGAdbVt7by0JHEqTwMh?si=ZJlpdMkcSg6SfMvz7YbkFg YouTube: https://youtube.com/@matthewwilkinson2276?si=m1gbZgTSpOALVdq5
Join us for Annie Crawford's course on C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces, starting live on January 17th, 2025. Learn more here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/till-we-have-faces-with-annie-crawford
Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/d-9FRODiDKM
Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:56 - Intro music 01:21 - Introduction 02:18 - The album on Bach 05:38 - Trinitarian symbolism 14:49 - Meaning in structure vs outside it 20:15 - The hero's journey 22:05 - Signatures 25:06 - Subject and countersubject 26:19 - The organ 29:25 - Going through the entrances 32:39 - Various subjects 35:03 - Baroque 36:37 - Counterpoint 37:21 - Duality in music 40:14 - Music of the spheres 43:54 - Hierarchy in beats 47:15 - Glenn Gould 49:19 - The dialectic 51:04 - Hierarchy in music 55:16 - Music in the modern era 01:07:45 - Postmodernism
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Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson.
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