On September 4, American pianist Joseph Gallwas from Chicago, Illinois, expressed his feelings about performing the designated piece “Divine’s Calling” at the eighth NTD International Piano Competition. Gallwas described the piece as a tribute to heaven and embarked on an exciting exploration journey as it was unlike any he had played before.
Learning and performing “Divine’s Calling” presented Gallwas with a remarkable experience, allowing him to fuse elements of Eastern and Western music in a way he had never done before. He explained that he tried to merge different musical languages in the piece, while also crafting stories and visuals in his mind to resonate with the audience convincingly.
Although not particularly familiar with traditional Chinese instruments, Gallwas had some understanding of Chinese instrument sounds through orchestral performances and traditional folk music. During his performance, he imagined transforming the piano into various Chinese instruments, believing that the sounds he created would evoke those instruments.
Throughout the preparation process, Gallwas envisioned scenes of nature and life in his mind, letting these images guide his interpretation and learning of the piece. His goal was to create a sound on the keyboard that transcended earthly beauty, aiming for a heavenly quality with each note.
Certain harmonies in the piece gave Gallwas a sense of elevation, as if being drawn towards heaven by a higher force. He emphasized this feeling during his performance, hoping to convey it to the audience and uplift them as well, as he believed that the essence of the piece was a divine calling from above.
Quoting philosopher Peter Clift, Gallwas said, “God is love, and music is the language of love. Therefore, music is the language of God.” He expressed his desire to make special moments truly exceptional and wished for everyone to feel that the performance was a unique and profound experience.
In conclusion, Gallwas reflected on the profound nature of the piece and his intention to ensure that he had no regrets after leaving the stage. His dedication to capturing the essence of the music and inspiring the audience with a sense of elevation and transcendence underscored his commitment to delivering a memorable and moving performance.