tG
S1E4: Bill Kanengiser - The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast
@ tonebase Guitar
10/28/18
Takeaways
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
I commissioned Sergio Assad to write a piece titled 'The Walls' for solo guitar and guitar orchestra, which portrays four historic barriers: the Great Wall of China, Hadrian's Wall, the Berlin Wall, and the Israeli West Bank Barrier.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
Sergio Assad's composition reflects the role of the artist in expressing feelings about the current international political environment through music, allowing for a nuanced exploration of complex issues without taking a definitive side.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The first movement of 'The Walls' represents the Great Wall of China, while the second movement depicts Hadrian's Wall, the third movement illustrates the Berlin Wall, and the fourth movement focuses on the West Bank Wall in Jerusalem.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The epilogue of 'The Walls' is titled 'No More Walls' and serves as a poignant conclusion to the piece, addressing the theme of separation and barriers.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
During rehearsals, one orchestra member shared his emotional connection to the piece, revealing that he was born in Nogales, Mexico, on the other side of a wall, and expressed how the music moved him to tears.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The music of 'The Walls' allows for emotional expression and interpretation, creating a space for listeners to engage with the themes of division and unity without explicit political statements.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
Art can present political issues in a way that is accessible to everyone, allowing for a shared experience that transcends individual beliefs and encourages open-mindedness.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
Sergio Assad immerses himself in the cultural context of his compositions, studying traditional music and instruments, such as the PIPA, to authentically capture their essence in his work.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
Sergio Assad's compositions often blend various cultural influences, showcasing a unique style that is not strictly tied to a specific genre or location.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
In the second movement titled 'Hadrian's Wall', Sergio Assad evokes the Roman essence with a sound reminiscent of a Ben Hur soundtrack, incorporating elements that imitate bagpipe music.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The story of Hadrian's Wall illustrates how a massive barrier built by the Romans ultimately failed to serve its intended purpose, becoming a tourist attraction instead.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
Sergio Assad's third movement, 'Berlin Wall', combines twelve-tone composition with Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', reflecting on the historical significance of the Berlin Wall's fall.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The fourth movement, 'West Bank Wall', features an evocative Arabic theme and incorporates Jewish melodies, highlighting the complex cultural narratives surrounding the wall.
BK
Bill Kanengiser
10/28/18
@ tonebase Guitar
The final movement, 'No More Walls', expresses a hopeful message against division, incorporating Mexican folk music and a performance aspect where orchestra members form a human wall.