Ritual, in four parts, by Magdalena Collum ‘18 Inspired by Igor Levit’s performance of Bach Partita No. 4, Schubert Moments Musicaux, Beethoven Tempest Sonata, and Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 I.
Bach, the Worshipper Aisle lights for candles, Row mate’s cologne for incense, The spectacle begins. Bowed down like a worshipper, humble and yet confident of his gracious reception He has entered, he has begun. He is faceless, like his god. Careful, for each flat cries a different hallelujah, each flat means something new. At first, he approaches gently, in awe of the sheer multitude of notes available-a child determined to play them all. At times, he approaches knowingly, with an intimate familiarity that seems almost irreverent At times, he approaches with such a deep anguish it is hard to understand How he’s not pounding the keys, Demanding some answer from the strings and wood before his prostrate body. You want him to demand an answer for the anguish. He plays on softly.