a cadence (Latin cadentia, "a falling") is "a melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of resolution, finality or pause.
Will music finally bring them back together for good? Or will music give them their rightful resolution or finalit...
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"Clair de lune." I see that my clarinetist's favorite hasn't changed as she flipped the page and saw the next letter at the back of the Debussy masterpiece.
The reflective and thought provoking sentiment of Clair de Lune was absolutely intended by Debussy. The title Clair de Lune means 'moonlight' in French. Fair enough- the piece does remind me of the moonlit night, but what is interesting is that the piece was originally called 'Promenade Sentimentale' meaning a 'sentimental walk'.
"There is no theory. You merely have to listen. Pleasure is the law." I answered with a Debussy quote as I closed my eyes and visualized this piece I have played a lot of times in different concert and recital halls around the world. But this private performance for her would be on the top of my list. My clarinetist in my oversized white shirt, disheveled hair, on my couch, her eyes on my collection of pieces.
"Hmm. I'm listening, I'm sure you'll think of ways to enforce the law." She said, smiling, rather suggestively, at me while mocking one of Debussy's famous lines, as I started playing the opening notes of the Clair de Lune as she listened. Debussy didn't like the term impressionism to describe his music even if it coincided with the dream-like painting styles of artists like Monet.
Debussy's rhythms are surprising. They can challenge your sense of balance since he, at times, has two rhythms going on simultaneously. His harmonies push the limits, but they don't sound shocking; they seem completely natural. The structure of his "Clair de Lune" at that defied classification -- it seemed improvised to us, but in fact, it's highly structured.
At times, that was me and Yejin. Like that rhythm, played simultaneously, challenging the both of us. But after all this time, I've become convinced that life not about balance, it is about rhythm. Her love was, is and will always be that rhythm, a sequence of tones which captures the essence of stillness from which my soul's music emanates. The love that kept me from giving up, the right kind of love, centered around harmony, despite dissonances and imperfections, but still beautiful and natural.
Like the Clair de Lune, Debussy, our love that defied classification, seemingly improvised but highly structured.. destined. It was unpredictable and uncertain in those years apart, and I don't know if we will ever fully understand it. Maybe that's the beauty of it. With every chord progression, modulation, arpeggios that go up, down, and all the notes, ornaments and markings in between, our love will always be worth fighting for.
"So, this letter, behind the Clair de Lune.. was..?"
"During your Junior Recital, yes." I answered as I approached the tempo rubato. My left hand on an E-flat octave, sustained.
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