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.
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Bach's Organ Mass
Bach's Clavierübung III (Keyboard Practice 3) is also known as the Organ Mass.
It's a collection of 27 movements based on Lutheran hymns and chorales, reflecting Bach's deep religious devotion.
insights INSIGHT
Trinitarian Symbolism
Clavierübung III is structured to symbolize the Trinity, reflecting three in movements, keys, and musical sections.
This includes the opening prelude and closing fugue, both in three sections.
insights INSIGHT
Musical Meaning
Bach's music contains meaning both in its structure (e.g., high notes for angels) and external references (e.g., gallant style of his son).
Understanding some references requires historical musical context.
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This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche. Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption. The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings. The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy[2][4][5].
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.
The Symbolic World 