Words and Music: Crafting Stories as a Pianist by Susan Fabian
As noted by Susan Fabian, where creativity knows no bounds, it combines words and music to create a harmonious tapestry of emotions and narratives. As a pianist, I have embarked on a unique journey where my love for music converges with my passion for storytelling, resulting in the creation of stories told through the delicate keys of a piano. From a young age, I was drawn to the enchanting world of music. The piano became my refuge, where I could express my thoughts, emotions, and dreams without speaking. The keyboard's 88 keys became my canvas, and each note was a brushstroke on the canvas of my imagination. As I honed my skills as a pianist, I noticed that my compositions were not merely a sequence of notes but stories waiting to be told. Melodies could evoke a wide range of emotions, from
a nocturne's melancholy strains to a scherzo's exuberant dance. Each piece had its narrative, a tale woven into its musical fabric. The idea of crafting stories as a pianist took root when I started composing music inspired by literature. I delved into the pages of novels, poems, and short stories, allowing the words to spark melodies within me. The characters, settings, and emotions described in the written word found their expression in the music I created. It was as if I was translating the language of literature into a musical dialect. One of my most memorable projects involved adapting classic literature into piano compositions. I chose beloved works like Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Dickens' "Great Expectations," and Tolstoy's "War and Peace." Each piece became a musical retelling of the story, with the piano serving as the narrator, conveying the original texts' drama, passion, and depth. Conversely, I also explored the idea of incorporating words into my music. I collaborated with lyricists and poets to bring lyrics to my compositions, turning instrumental pieces into songs that could convey stories through music and words. This synergy of music and lyrics created a unique form of storytelling where the piano and voice became equal partners in narrating tales of love, loss, and resilience. One of the most profound realisations on this artistic journey has been the ability to connect with audiences deeply emotionally. Music can transcend language barriers; when combined with words, it becomes a universal language of the heart. Whether performing my compositions or collaborating with other artists, I've witnessed the emotional impact that music and storytelling can have on listeners. Words and music, as two distinct forms of art, have a symbiotic relationship that allows them to amplify each other's beauty and impact. As a pianist, I've embraced this synergy, crafting stories through music and finding inspiration in the written word. This journey has reinforced my belief that art, in all its forms, can touch the soul, stir the imagination, and bring people together in the shared experience of human emotion and creativity.