This lesson offers you 7 ways to create a musical interpretation based of one short piece of music. Be sure to download the sheet music above to follow along.

One of the great joys we experience in classical music is the process of interpretation. We can be creative and find ways to make a piece of music expressive in our own unique way. Let’s look together at a fairly straightforward piece (Andante by Ferdinando Carulli) and layer different interpretation approaches.

As I progress through the seven different approaches you can start to hear the music take on a whole new character. Perhaps some choices you like and some you don’t. Nevertheless, what I encourage you to do is download the sheet music, give this process a try, and paste your YouTube version in the comments below or on the video at the CGC YouTube channel. It would be fun to see everyone’s ideas.

A rundown of the seven approaches

Dynamics:

First, adding dynamics can create contrast and make the music feel alive. In addition, dynamics can give direction to the music and create longer musical ideas, which keeps the listener attentive and engaged.

Articulation:

When we add articulation, like staccato and accents, we can create character and can use these to contrast with legato notes.

Tone Colors:

We can enhance some of the other techniques we’ve already looked at—for instance, dynamics and staccato—with splashes of color.

Rubato:

Tempo rubato means “stolen time.” Rubato gives an elasticity to the music and an almost speech-like quality.

Fingering:

Left-hand fingering choices can greatly impact the sound. For example, we might explore fingerings that take us out of first position for different kinds of color. In addition, we can use different kinds of articulation on fretted notes that we can’t on open strings.

Embellishments:

With embellishment we begin to move away from what’s written in the score to add new elements. For instance, these might include different rhythms, ornamentation, or even new notes.

Reimagining:

Finally, when we reimagine a piece of music we take embellishment to a different level. This approach is inspired by the improvisatory performance practice of wonderful Czech guitarist Pavel Steidl.