Sleeping time, das cenas infantis, de octávio pinto: um olhar interpretativo de uma graduanda em piano

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the reflective process involved in the study of the piece Sleeping Time, from Children's Scenes by Octávio Pinto, through the lens of the performer's perspective. A survey was conducted on the composer's musical trajectory, his catalog of works, and the available recordings of the selected piece. Since this is a study focused on reflective practice, authors such as John Dewey and Donald Schön were fundamental in supporting the stages of the study. The reflective learning process included video recordings, which were used to revisit and observe the details of each performance, allowing for the necessary distance to conduct a more critical analysis. Performance cues from psychologist Roger Chaffin were used to identify the various processes adopted throughout the recordings. This can be considered an artistic research project due to the active role assumed by the artist-researcher, who engages in a deep immersion in the work and incorporates personal experiences as an integral part of the investigation. The methodological procedures followed these steps: (1) selection of the piece Sleeping Time; (2) collection of biographical data on the composer and his training; (3) listening to existing recordings of the chosen piece; (4) study away from the piano to understand the musical aspects of the piece (rhythm, melodic contour, articulation, formal analysis); (5) interpretive study of the piece (understanding gestures and musical imagery, agogics); (6) video recordings of the piece; (7) analysis of the five recordings and their relation to Chaffin’s performance cues. The final video recording demonstrated a gradual evolution in the actions employed during the study process of Sleeping Time. Understanding the relationship between the musical ideas within the chosen piece proved to be a helpful path in constructing its interpretation.