BY CELINE CHONG, LEAD WRITER (QLD)
So you’ve been asked to page-turn.
*Cue inconspicuous eye-roll while saying okay because you have to.*
While the humble page-turner is often neglected, what I’ve realised through my recent page-turning adventures is that, though it might not seem like it to most onlookers, page-turning is a skill – one that is crucial to the success of the performance.
Sure, you might not think it’s the most riveting thing you could be doing in a performance. But you know what? I love page-turning for pianists.
I recently had the chance to page-turn for the Brisbane performance of Ray Chen and Julien Quentin’s nation-wide tour with Musica Viva. So, in light of what I’ve learnt, I’ve put together eight reasons why life is good when you’re the page-turner.
1. You will develop your ability to think quickly under pressure.
Page-turning requires you to be pro-active, fast on your feet (at times, literally!), and problem-solve quickly with a poker face. In short, you need to be able to follow a score while responding to the nuances of a live performance. And there are many nuances during live performance.
Most crucial to the page-turner are nuances of time and tempo. When do the performers push the tempo forward? Where will they be slowing the pace? Make sure you get up with enough time to check that you’re only turning one page and not two! (But not too early, because then you’ll be standing for ages and that’ll be awkward.)
Does the page end on an important silence? Be sure to check so you don’t ruin the moment by flapping paper around. How about when you’re a bit too far away to see that the notes and texture look the same for the whole page? (My personal nightmare – follow Ray’s violin part instead because it’s easier to look at!) Not to mention when the performers are actually improvising all over the music, rather than playing what’s written. And there are repeats everywhere (hello, Csárdás!).
And all of this is happening in and amongst the thrill of a performance. I’ve said it already, but I’ll say again. Page-turning requires skill.
2. The performance will be up close and personal.
It’s a unique thing to experience a live performance in a concert hall. But seeing it up close is something else altogether. Being able to observe the amount of focus that goes into the performance, and be a part of the music as it’s happening, is really special. Though you have a job to do, there’s no taking away from the amazing musicianship happening literally 30 centimetres to your right.
3. Professional rehearsals can teach you a lot about your own playing.
If you’ve ever played chamber music, you’ll know that rehearsal technique can make or break your ensemble. Seeing the way professional musicians interact and create a performance (often with only one, two, or three rehearsals!) is such an invaluable learning experience. And, because you’ll normally be called in for one rehearsal at least, it’s an all-access pass to watch professional musicians in their element, honing their performance before they take the stage.
Through page-turning, I’ve watched professional musicians rehearse all kinds of repertoire, including Schumann’s Piano Quintet, Rachmaninov’s mighty Suite No. 2 for two pianos, Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 2, and, through this concert, the Franck Violin Sonata and Ravel’s Tzigane, among others. Observing how music is put together by different personalities, and watching not just what professional musicians consider during rehearsals, but how they tackle these issues with each other, has been incredibly insightful for me as a student. It makes being part of the rehearsals just as much fun as being part of the performance.
4. Observing what happens behind the scenes gives you a new appreciation for the work and organisation that goes into a concert.
Operations are crucial at concerts like these, and it’s always great to meet the people who really make the magic happen backstage – from the stage managing to piano tuning, organising the needs of the artists, coordinating with front of house, and countless more jobs and roles! You have to be right in the thick of it to fully appreciate sheer amount of work that goes in, but being a page-turner gives you a tiny glimpse.
5. Having a backstage pass means you also get to see professional musicians being silly before the performance.
And it’s definitely the funniest aspect of the job! Though we tend to put our star-studded professionals on a pedestal at times (and rightly so, of course), they’re all human, too. And it’s heart-warming to see different individual and musical personalities come together to have fun and make great music.
6. Backstage also means that there will occasionally be food and snacks provided.
Musica Viva gave us dark chocolate Tim Tams and Mint Slice. Need I say more?
7. You build a relationship with the pianist you’re turning for.
As a pianist, letting someone else turn your pages is an act of trust. And though it may only be for one rehearsal and a concert, it is, without a doubt, a partnership. Being able to watch someone’s playing so closely in the space of a few hours can bring you renewed perspective, new approaches, and a fresh inspiration for your own playing. I always look forward to learning something new from each pianist I turn for, and this was perhaps my favourite part of this particular concert.
Though I wasn’t thinking about it at the time, turning for a pianist as skilful, sensitive, and friendly as Julien really made my night (not to mention his nodding was always clear, making my job that little bit easier!). In my experience, pianists are always lovely to their page-turners. After all, as Julien said at the beginning of our rehearsal, it’s teamwork.
8. Last but not least, you get to be a part of the experience and engage with your musical community.
Because, even as a humble page-turner, you’re playing your part in your community’s music-making, and that’s amazing in itself.
Ray Chen and Julien Quentin will tour Australia as part of the Musica Viva 2018 International Concert Season until 27 August.
Shout the page-turner a coffee?
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Images supplied. Credit: Alex Jamieson.
Disclaimer: Celine Chong recently completed an internship with Musica Viva and is now employed in casual office administration (how cool is that?!). This blog was produced independently for CutCommon in Celine’s capacity of Lead Writer (QLD). It does not reflect the views of Musica Viva.
