The pause, a 'rest' in music shared by all the musicians, can be a
defining moment- one that imbues the piece with the fullest drama. It
sets off all the sturm and drang in sharp contrast. It can be a
release, or it can create tension. I think it is an underused basic
element of musical composition and performance. Many composers and
musicians seem to think they have to fill every moment with sound. One
master of time and space in music, by being master of the silence, was
Thelonius Monk. Thelonius, like an Aaron Copland of jazz, used space
in his compositions and his improvisations. They defined the rhythm,
they emphasised certain phrases, they created the feeling. Miles Davis
did the same thing. His most powerful and touching solos were defined
by the notes he didn't play- the hesitations, the transitions, the
thoughtful pauses.
Chamber
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