Moving beyond the auditory aspect of performing classical music: A reflection on musical expression with the body and face

Sammanfattning: This reflective part of my Bachelor’s degree started with an increased curiosity into how I move my body whilst at the piano. I wanted to reflect on how I perceive my own movements, on why I move like I do, and what purpose these movements may have beyond the way I need to move to handle any technical difficulties. I chose three different videos of performances, one live concert, one live streamed concert, and one pre-recorded version, to see if the environment could have an effect on my expressions. After watching and analysing the videos, I found that the live concert version, the one where I also moved my body and faced the most, was also the one I perceived myself playing the best. I found that the way I move had a significant effect on how I perceive my own playing, and that it is a very effective tool to convey the music beyond the auditory aspect. My movements can also have an important purpose in effectively communicating the character of the music. I also found that the environment in which I performed had an effect in my expressions.