Five Questions with ... Marie Awadis
IDAGIOWhat are five of your favourite records of all time (any genre allowed)?
I have numerous favourite records that I truly cherish. However, if I were to trace back to the beginning of my musical journey, there was a period when I listened to these records obsessively for an extended duration, among others. These are the first names that came to my mind:
Ravel Piano Concerto in G – Martha Argerich, Claudio Abbado, Berliner Philharmoniker (1967)
Horowitz in Moscow – Vladimir Horowitz (1986)
The Melody At Night With You – Keith Garrett (1998)
Listen To my Heart – Datevig (2001)
You may have heard the aphorism, "Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." What are your thoughts on the relationship of innovation and tradition in classical music?
Yes definitely I believe in that. Derived from the Latin root "innovare," the term 'innovation' signifies the introduction of change and fresh concepts by incorporating new elements. Effective innovation necessitates an understanding of tradition's essence, serving as the foundation of creativity. It offers a framework to explore new horizons, break conventional norms, and pursue intuitive paths, thereby paving the way for unique approaches. Tradition, acting as a stabilising force, facilitates the transition into innovative realms and encourages the exploration of new ideas and approaches. This blend of classical tradition with contemporary sensibilities – merging harmonic principles and rhythmic structures with instinctual innovations – results in my compositions rooted in tradition yet infused with modernity. The invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience inherited from the past manifests as cherished traditions that continue to inspire contemporary practitioners. These traditions, once groundbreaking innovations by great composers of their era, now serve as sources of learning and inspiration for today's creative endeavors.
Creating music can be both a solitary and a social activity. Can you tell us about the importance of community and/or collaboration in your work?
Solitude is a crucial aspect of my creative process, whether I'm composing or practising alone. I believe that spending time alone allows us to dive deep into our inner selves, tapping into our emotions and experiences to fuel our creativity. However, this introspective phase gains meaning from our interactions with the world around us – the people we meet, the experiences we share, and the emotions we feel. It's through these connections that we gather the raw material to infuse into our music, giving it depth and authenticity or resonance. Yet, after the solitary act of creation, comes the essential phase of collaboration and social interaction. This is where we seek feedback, validation, and fresh inspiration from our peers, friends, and audience. Sharing ideas and perspectives with others breathes new life into our work, pushing us to explore new horizons and evolve as artists on our creative journey. Collaboration, in particular, is invaluable in broadening our perspectives. By working with others, we invite diverse viewpoints and insights that can expand our creative vision. Whether it's drawing inspiration from fellow musicians, seeking guidance from mentors, or simply bouncing ideas off colleagues, collaboration enriches our creative process and helps us grow as artists. While I value the solitude of my home studio, where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process, I also recognise the importance of community in my artistic journey. In essence, solitude and community are two sides of the same coin, each playing a vital role in the creative process. As artists, we thrive on the delicate balance between introspection and interaction, drawing inspiration from both to bring our inner world to life and share it with others.
Which artist – dead or alive – would you most like to work with and why?
When considering collaboration or project opportunities, my admiration lies within the domain of music and dance, particularly influenced by the innovative works of Pina Bausch, which has long been an inspiration. Her choreographic approach, mirroring life's raw reality, resonates profoundly with me, both emotionally and in everyday experiences. Ennio Morricone holds a special place in my heart as my film music idol. His seamless blending of experimental and classical elements to enhance character and narrative arc is truly inspiring. His music, weaving with visuals on screen while maintaining its distinct identity, showcases his genius. Arvo Pärt, a living composer, also stands out as a personal idol. Meeting and working with him would be an incredible experience. Despite my own inclination towards a more chaotic creative process, I deeply admire Pärt's ability to infuse structured minimalism with profound spiritual depth which evokes deep emotions. Striving to incorporate elements of both structure and spiritual resonance into my own compositions is a goal I continually pursue. Learning from Pärt's methodology would undoubtedly enrich my artistic creative journey.
Which work do you wish you had written yourself?
To wish to have authored a specific piece would mean desiring to live the life and experiences of its composer—an impossibility given vast differences in time, culture, social dynamics, and technological advancements. While there are composers like Bach, Chopin, Brahms, Ravel, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, to whom I feel profoundly connected, I find myself drawn more to the idea of engaging with them, learning from their thoughts, feelings, and inner approaches to composition. Yet, when composing, I'm driven to create uniquely, drawing from my knowledge, emotions, experiences, and musical perspective. I'm immensely grateful for the wealth of knowledge left by great composers, guiding me along my own artistic path. Also desiring to have written a particular piece can lead to a temptation to replicate its style, potentially sliding into imitation. I consciously strive to avoid such traps, maintaining authenticity and avoiding repetition even in my own compositions.
Études Mélodiques is out on IDAGIO now.