Penelope's Ponderings

People often ask me what the real difference is between the baroque and the modern violin. Is it the bow? The strings? The way the instrument is built? In my opinion all of these factors can help you to create a sound that will bring baroque music alive, but you can also come a very long way simply with an informed and passionate approach to the music, no matter what instrument you play on. In this blog, I´ve tried to provide some context for anyone who is interested to start their own personal journey to discover the world of the baroque violin.

Recently I was asked to prepare a document about the emotions and colours of Vivaldi´s Four Seasons for an upcoming multi-media performance work where we will have lighting, projections, and sound design.

Last week, I was incredibly moved by a talk given by an Austrian man, who makes wooden houses. To be honest, I was sent the link by friend ages ago, and it looked so boring I didn´t bother to click on it until my pricking conscience finally had its way.

I have always had a nagging doubt about being a musician in a world where there are just so many really serious problems. Perhaps we musicians should really be using our brains and ingenuity for a more tangible cause? As a mother living in 2021 in the middle of a devastating pandemic and reports of dire weather conditions caused by climate change which can only get worse, I think back to my carefree and innocent childhood days spent on the little family farm in New Zealand where Greenpeace was kind of cool, but the actual issue of global warming barely encroached on my consciousness, and wonder if my children or their children will ever experience such worry-free world.