Last month, I had the honor of participating in a music competition. As part of a trio, including myself as the pianist, a cellist, and a violinist, we showcased our musical talents. Winning an award in this competition was a tremendous honor for us. Here are my experiences and feelings about the competition.
The preparation stage before the competition was challenging. We were under immense time pressure as we had to juggle between preparing for our competition and concentrating on our schoolwork. Consequently, we carved out time from our lunch breaks for rehearsals. Our collective practice time during the weekdays amounted to no more than three hours, making our achievement of winning the first prize both an incredibly joyful and surprising accomplishment. It was a testament to our dedication and hard work. During rehearsals, we not only improved our technical skills but also deepened our understanding of the music and our rapport with each other.
Our piece is Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8, which is a work full of emotion and profound content. This piece shows diversity in emotions and feelings, reflecting Brahms’ early style as a young composer, and also demonstrates his deep contemplation during his mature period. Opus 8 is extremely rich in emotional expression, ranging from spirited themes to profound lyricism, reflecting Brahms’ diversity in musical conception and emotional expression. It is not only a masterpiece among Brahms’ works but also one of the important pieces in the chamber music repertoire.
At the start of the competition, my fingers were trembling slightly. But as the music flowed, I gradually immersed myself in it, and all the nervousness faded away. The depth of the cello, the melodious violin, and the harmonious piano resonated together, creating an indescribable magic on stage.
This competition was not just an award-winning experience for me, but also a moment of musical growth and personal achievement. It made me love music even more and believe in the power of music to connect hearts. Also, the chamber music competition was more than a platform for showcasing technical prowess; it was a journey of shared emotions, collaborative efforts, and a celebration of the artistry that transcends individual instruments.
- Article / Sarah Shih
