Author: Hannah Park

Hannah Park is a sophomore piano performance major at the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Captured Moments is a series in which she shares the intersection between photography and music, where each photo evokes a fresh perspective on the importance of the arts.

A Touch of Pink

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With finals coming up, and the end of the year, I find myself studying on North Campus’ Pierpont all day. A few days ago, I captured this picture of the sunset on North campus. It’s always nice to go outside for a walk, after having to study all day. The touch of pink splattered throughout the sky, was a a very beautiful sight complimented with the hints of snow on the ground.

The winter season and holidays bring all kinds of festivity, and I am reminded of Christmas music. I even listen to chill Christmas music when studying, and when I captured this picture. Thus, “The Christmas Song” sung by Bublé, is a song I correlate with this picture. In times of stress and finals, listening to Christmas music while admiring the sky, helps me stay calm. Music can change a whole atmosphere, whether it be studying or watching the pink sky.

First Snow

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This past Thursday, Michigan students saw the first snow of the season. While it did not last long, having some snow is better than none. Last year, snow came earlier than this year, so it feels weird that there is not a lot of snow. Why am I waiting for more snow? What about snow makes it so special to see? For me, an out of state student from Colorado, I miss seeing snow so often. Yet, the reason for snow being so special to me goes beyond this reason. I see snow and music correlated together. I feel nostalgia when I see snow falling. Both snow and music have a sense of beauty and fluidity that has layers of complexity. For snow, a snowfall can start gentle and slowly heighten as it builds layers. With music, a piece can start calm and build up to the climax. The swirling of snowflakes in the air, as they fall in a gentle motion, mirrors music as musicians have the power to interpret the piece any way they want. The notes can be soft and quiet, much like the mood a snowfall gives, and it could be light and mantle in the way a piece is played.

I immediately thought of Debussy’s “The Snow is Dancing“, as quite literally the name of the piece describes snow. The structure of the piece itself captures the “dance” of snow with its shimmering effect and delicate flowing patterns of the snow falling onto the ground. The piece also has a moment, climax, where the snow grows harsher and the winds become cruel. This evokes the feeling of heavy Michigan snowfalls, as it becomes impossible to walk to class. It then quiets and calms down, however, at the end of the piece, emphasizing the delicacy and stillness of snow falling.

Chilled Glow

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Some of my classes are in the School of Music, on North Campus. Many students don’t appreciate the beauty and nature of North Campus. I have witnessed geese in the pond, multiple deers, and the calming sounds of the nature breeze. I especially love to go on walks during sunset hour, so I can capture pictures. This week, I am showcasing a photo I took from North Campus. With the weather dropping low, there is a cold breeze that perfectly blends with the hues of blue and yellow in the sky.

One of my favorite classical pieces, Nocturne in E flat major by Chopin, I feel captures the feelings of this picture. With the weather dropping, I feel slow and a drop in energy, especially with finals coming up. Chopin’s nocturne is sad, in my opinion, as it is yearning for something bright. For me, that brightness is the sun and warmer weather. Yet, even though I want this change, the beautiful colors of the sunset matched by the nature, makes me love the cold Fall season. The nocturne has a glow, and quiet reflection just like the sky, in this picture, itself carrying an expressive “chilled glow”.

The Sound of Falling Leaves

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It’s hard to say that there is still no first Snowfall in Michigan. As an out of state student from Colorado, they experienced lots of snow this past week, and looking through my friends’ from back home posts, I can confidently say that I am so jealous. I captured this image of the beautiful law quad while walking on a chilly day. While I can see the leaves on the ground surrounded by the architecture of the law quad, I can also see a visual symphony, where each unique element in this picture represents a musical phrase. To me, the bare branches of the trees represent the staff lines on a musical piece, with each fallen leave being a single note.

architectureThe center of this image shows the law quad, and it acts as the steady and elegant beats of the music. The rich details in architecture as well as the arch, evokes a harmony that goes beyond a simple melody. It is complex and raw, with the arch welcoming people in to the creativity warm sounds. In this orchestra, I envision the warm colors of the fall leaves as a cello, with its rich tones bringing to life Fall’s beauty.

I am reminded of the piece Cello Sonata in G minor Movement III Chopin. This beautiful piece is a duet with the cello and piano, and its sounds combine together to form a haunting yet heartwrenching piece. The cello stands out to me as the soloist, and moves the notes in a legato way to emphasize the connectedness of the notes. In this way, the Univeristy of Michigan’s campus becomes a symphony, emphasized by the sound of falling leaves.

Autumn’s Quiet Symphony 

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Michigan fall is unmatched. The breeze of the wind, changing of leaves, and orange scenery, gives a comfy and cozy feeling. As the temperature drops, and the cold weather starts rolling in, I feel a feeling of warmness, which is ironic because of how cold the temperature is. However, being able to bundle up and stay warm as I watch the seasons change, adds on to the peaceful setting.

While I focus on classical music, this week, this picture allowed me to reflect on the diversity in music genres. Much like the many different leaves, they represent the dynamics of music compositions. I chose a popular song, “Do you believe in Magic”, by the Lovin’ Spoonful (Do You Believe in Magic). The upbeat melody celebrates the magic in everyday places and moments, and the theme of finding joy in the smallest things, like a beautiful autumn day, gives a magical feeling. The guitar riff, lively rhythm, and light vocals emphasize a sense of excitement and wonder for the autumn season reflected in this photo.

Fading Colors

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The blue fades into a warm yellow, and ultimately into darkness. I snapped this photo on my way back home, and this picture reminds me a lot of painting. With how the colors match and blend perfectly, I am reminded of music. Especially tempo, the blend of colors, releases a soft and steady beat. I can see a resemblence of a series of notes transcending up the keys. Especially with the architecture that makes up the beautiful law quad, it matches the mood of the sun setting, with the twinkling of the street lamps.

With this picture, I see Debussy’s works. Specifically, “Rêverie”, the notes perfectly blend together to produce a series of wandering sounds (Rêverie). This piece reminds me of a gentle good night song, transforming into a dreamy world. Much like the contents of this picture (the colors, street lamps, and night setting), Debussy’s “Rêverie” soothing sounds, encapsulate the beauty of fading colors.