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I love this work, interesting hearing that sound tour, thanks for sharing, congratulations!

Metamorphosis is one of those concepts that can be found within many human activities in both Eastern and Western cultures, from science to mysticism, from philosophy to art. It permeates fantasies of all kinds, and has had its own meaning transformed throughout history. Writers such as Kafka have dedicated their efforts exploring this phenomenon; scientists have identified hundreds of creatures in nature that can actually change their shapes during their lives; philosophical works such as Ovid's Metamorphoses and the Chinese I Ching have explored centuries ago some of its subtleties; Dante explored his own moral metamorphosis in the Divine Comedy; artists all over the world have their work and research based on changes; and composers such as Joseph Strauss, Phillip Glass, and John Cage have dedicated much of their artistic efforts to explore it in music.

Despite its widespread application in so many cultures, metamorphosis remains one of the biggest conceptual misteries, only partially explained by science, philosophy, and religions. Some interesting explanations have been provided to make this concept a bit clearer, but some have created an even more misterious aura around it. A very interesting approach to metamorphosis can be found on BBC's documentary Metamorphosis, The Science of Change: "If catterpillars want to fly, they metamorphose and create wings; if humans want to fly, we create airplanes."

Matching the feeling of elegant mistery, Ralf Bauer, German composer and guitarist, was inspired by Bach's Chaconne, last movement of violin Partita in D minor (BWV 1004). One of the most mystical composers of all times, with his music praised as arising from a superior intelligence, Bach also knew very well the more mundane, down-to-earth aspects of the solo instruments he was composing to. He was conscious of the exact effect that some famous passages of his monumental Chaconne would have in the audience. The gist of this piece is very much discussed, and a very touching (yet unconfirmed) version is that this is actually a tombeau for his wife, Maria Barbara, who had died shortly before he completed the Partita. Considered the technical and expressive climax of the piece by many specialists and performers alike, the arpeggio section of the Chaconne has inspired composers and artists for centuries now. In the following lines Ralf Bauer refers to the influence of this work on his artistic output:

"When I was a child I heard the Chaconne from Partita in D minor by J.S. Bach and the arpeggio part controls me till today. For the guitar I intended to compose an arpeggio which leads the guitar to its limits, like what happens with the violin in the Partita. The title Metamorphose means that everything changes and flows."

Even while respecting his 18th-century countryman, Bauer knew how not to merely copy Bach's model, but to be wholeheartedly inspired by it in order to create a breathtaking piece, which really brings guitarist's technique (particularly the right hand) to its limits of technical stamina, while coping with the emotional and philosophical strain caused by the idea of metamorphosis.

Bauer's musical influences go deep into other cultures, as well as many different styles of pop music, and Eastern and Western philosophies. His rendering of the phenomenon of metamorphosis conveys complex concepts through music, such as the Heraclitus' river, déjà-vu, circularity, shape shifting, and, of course, Bach.

Official Website: composer-ralfbauer.com
Contact: info@composer-ralfbauer.com

Performed by Fabricio Mattos
Recorded at Trilhas Urbanas Studio
Sound Engineer: Beto Japa
Notes by Fabricio Mattos
www.worldwideguitarconnections.com

Metamorphose (Ralf Bauer) | WGC Beyond

Vocal Brasileirão
Beto Japa: Guitarras, mixagem e masterização
Arranjo: Vicente Ribeiro

My CD

Ode aos Ratos - Vocal Brasileirao

I.Contemplativo (Contemplative)
II.Vagueando (Wandering)

Darya Filippenko, viola  Дарья Филиппенко (альт)
Vladimir Gapontsev, guitar  Владимир Гапонцев (гитара)

Gravação ao vivo da estreia mundial realizada na Embaixada do Brasil em Moscou, em 26/8/2016.

Visões Do Paraíso (2016), para viola (de arco) e violão (viola and guitar)

Variation on a Theme of Chinese Guqin

composer: Lin Huanqi
performer: Fabricio Mattos

This piece was commissioned by Brasilian guitarist Fabricio Mattos and composed by Chinese guitarist/composer Lin Huanqi. It's a variation on a theme of Chinese Guqin. The Guqin is a very traditional Chinese instrument often played by poets and aristocrats. Many of the music of Guqin express the unique serenity of China, it represents the soul of Chinese people.

Variation on a Theme of Chinese Guqin

桑SANG--- for traditional Chinese ensemble, commissioned by Chinese Oriental Art Ensemble
 
recorded in 09/2018

桑SANG---为民族室内乐而作

WGC is a creative enterprise founded by Fabricio Mattos, with partners and activities in many countries. It brings together innovative possibilities in music-making, offering a fresh approach to the music profession. 

Metamorphose (Ralf Bauer) | WGC Beyond

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