PERFORMANCE PRACTICE Meaning and
Definition
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Performance practice refers to the set of conventions, techniques, and stylistic features employed by musicians in the interpretation and execution of a specific piece or repertoire. It encompasses a wide range of aspects, including musical ornamentation, articulation, dynamics, tempo, phrasing, improvisation, and historical context. Performance practice is influenced by cultural, historical, and social factors and is subject to evolution and change over time.
In performance practice, musicians utilize their technical skills and artistic intuition to bring a composition to life, aiming to faithfully recreate the intentions of the composer while adding their own interpretive nuances. It involves researching and investigating historical performance practices from different periods and regions, and applying this knowledge to shape their own unique interpretation.
Performance practice is not limited to classical music; it extends to various musical traditions and genres. For example, jazz musicians may study and emulate the improvisational techniques of legendary performers, while folk musicians might incorporate specific regional styles and techniques into their playing.
Moreover, performance practice plays a crucial role in historical performance, where musicians seek to recreate music as it would have been performed during the time it was written. This may involve using period instruments, adopting historical tunings and temperaments, and employing specific articulations and expressive devices from the era.
Overall, performance practice is an integral part of musical interpretation, helping to bridge the gap between composers and performers, and providing a framework for musicians to express their creativity while honoring the historical and stylistic context of the music.
Etymology of PERFORMANCE PRACTICE
The word "performance" comes from the Latin word "performare", which means to accomplish or carry out fully. It is a combination of the prefix "per", meaning completely, and "formare", meaning to form or shape.
The word "practice" comes from the Latin word "practicare", which means to exercise or perform repeatedly to gain skill. It is derived from the Latin word "praxis", meaning action or practice.
The term "performance practice" is used in various fields, including music, theater, and sports, to refer to the practical application of techniques and methods in a specific performance setting. The etymology of "performance practice" lies in the combination of the Latin origins of the words "performance" and "practice", highlighting the act of carrying out and repeating actions to achieve skillful execution.
