Toeing the line between the modern and the traditional is a difficult task in any industry, whether commercial or artistic. It`s especially difficult when the genre itself includes "classical" in its title, namely classical music. Being modern and creative within the confines of an inherently traditional genre is something that many present-day composers struggle with, and for pianist-composer Steve Barakatt, the "Ad Vitam Aeternam" symphony signifies his rendition of the best of both worlds.
"The essence of music is quite classical. The message, melodies and counterpoints are all very classical," Barakatt said Tuesday in an interview with The Korea Herald. "On the other hand, we live in 2008, and we also need something that is some sort of new symphony. If we only live in the past, that means that music is dead. We need to create music for the future."
Unlike much of today`s contemporary music, which often includes melodies and instrumentation too foreign for classical purists, the themes and orchestral configuration of "Ad Vitam Aeternam" is quite traditional. What is untraditional, however, is the stage design and lighting that goes into a performance, making the concert experience more than just auditory, but visual as well.
"We live in an era that we must combine all the visual and musical all together because we have modern technology, and symphonic music must evolve in the way that we present it," Barakatt said. "And I think that this symphony is an innovation of the symphony."
When Barakatt takes to the Sejong Center`s grand piano in front of a full orchestra on Sunday, he won`t be doing so behind the dull amber tones of the wood, but on a stage set up more like a rock concert than a classical stage. And just like any pop concert, the lights are set to flash and sync with the music to enhance the concert-going experience.
It`s all a part of Barakatt`s attempt to make his music - and classical music in general - more accessible to the public. After all, the average age of classical followers is older than most other genres of music, and Barakatt feels the need to reach out to the younger generation.
"We also need something to present to a new audience, to people that do not enjoy classical music in general, and I think that they will enjoy this," Barakatt said.
To call "Ad Vitam Aeternam" merely a classical symphony souped-up with bright lights, however, wouldn`t take into account the musical originality of Barakatt`s work. The 16 movements - dispersed on either side of an intermission - are a far cry from the traditional four, as is their five to seven minute lengths and titles based on themes rather than tempo.
They have names like "Ab initio" ("In the Beginning") and "Quis ego sum" ("Who am I?"), each representing a phase or question of a person`s life. It is the result of over two and a half years of questioning and reflection Barakatt went through while touring as a solo pianist.
"I was meeting people from different walks of life, from young kids, monks, everyone, and I was asking questions. `What is the meaning of life?` `What is the meaning of life in today`s world?` `Where do we come from?`" Barakatt said. "I asked people what is for you the love, the death, and what is for you the birth. And I professed on my own views in my work as well."
The culmination of all this questioning, researching of philosophy and religion, meditation and composing was the "Ad Vitam Aeternum" project, which premiered in 2005. On Sunday, it makes its Asian debut in Seoul with Barakatt on the keys with the Ditto Orchestra - a group of young up-and-coming musicians - behind him.
Heading the Ditto Orchestra will be Stephane Laforest - musical director and principal conductor of Symphony New Brunswick - who has conducted virtually every prestigious orchestra in his and Barakatt`s native Canada.
Though Barakatt has been in Korea many times for solo recitals and promotions, this concert will mark his symphonic debut on the peninsula. For the classical music fans who recognize him for his solo classical and new age work, Barakatt expects them to be surprised with this visit.
"This trip is very special because that I know that my music has been known as a certain type of music, and this time, I know we will connect on a different level," Barakatt said. "People will discover a new aspect of my work."
Steve Barakatt`s "Ad Vitam Aeternam" will be performed July 6th at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on the main stage of the Sejong Center of the Performing Arts, accessible from Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 8). Tickets range from 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit clubbalcony.com
By Kim Kyu-heong
(kyukim@heraldm.com)
[출처 : 코리아헤럴드]
