Playing Vexations for Over Eight Hours: The Challenges and Solving Strategies

Edgard Varèse's work Inch'Allah, or better known as "Vexations," is a striking and complex musical composition that challenges even the most seasoned performers. The piece requires a pianist to repeat the same 64-bar sequence 840 times, thus rendering it to last approximately 18 hours without stops. This feat of endurance and precision poses numerous challenges to performers. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of performing Vexations, the technical and psychological requirements, and strategies for making it possible to play the piece comfortably for over eight hours.

Understanding the Complexity of Vexations

The piece named Vexations is a piano piece by Edgard Varèse, first published as Inch'Allah (meaning "if God will" in Arabic). It consists of a single page of music, containing 64 bars to be repeated 840 times. The repetition not only challenges a pianist's physical endurance but also requires remarkable mental and emotional resilience.

The title, "Vexations," perfectly encapsulates the challenges this piece presents. Vex means to vex or anger, and this piece has certainly vexed more than one pianist. The piece’s uncompromising nature demands absolute precision and consistency from the performer. The sheer repetition and the minimalistic structure challenge not only the skill but also the patience, mental stamina, and physical well-being of the performer. Variations in tempo, phrasing, and dynamics prove to be particularly challenging as the piece should be played in a way that maintains the uniqueness of each repetition, yet without diminishing the integrity of the overall performance.

The Wonders of Relay Performance

A solution to the daunting task of performing Vexations is the concept of a 'relay' performance, also referred to as a 'rota' or 'shift' performance. In this method, several performers would alternate to continue the piece without any breaks. This approach not only distributes the physical strain among multiple performers but also allows for a more dynamic and engaging performance. Each performer brings their unique interpretation and energy to the piece, thereby enriching the overall experience.

A famous example of this approach is the 2008 performance of the piece at the Eighth Street Gallery in New York City, where the artists Random Forces used a combination of real and synthetic performers to complete the 18-hour piece. According to video recordings of the performance, it indeed doesn't feel like a pause in the rhythm. Despite being live-streamed, it seems seamless from the audience's perspective. This method can be particularly effective in engaging the audience over such a long duration, as it provides a dynamic and varied experience.

Performing Vexations as a Single Performer

For a single performer, the challenge is significant and can be managed with a combination of immense self-control, meticulous planning, and mental discipline. Here are some strategies that a performer might adopt:

Self-Control: Performing Vexations for over eight hours without any rest is a grueling task. A single performer must maintain extreme self-control to avoid fatigue and mistakes. This requires a consistent routine that includes rigorous mental and physical training, as well as the use of mental techniques to stay focused and energized.

Mental Discipline: The psychological toll of such a performance should not be underestimated. Performers must maintain a high level of concentration and emotional stability. Techniques such as mindfulness and strategic use of breaks can help in managing the mental strain. Mental visualization and goal-setting can also be beneficial.

Mental Stimulation: To avoid monotony, a single performer can use techniques to inject variety into the performance. Strategies such as varying tempo, dynamics, and phrasing can add depth and mitigate the risk of boredom and loss of focus.

Adaptation: A single performer might need to be flexible in adapting the performance to suit the capabilities and stamina of the moment. This requires a level of improvisation and adaptability, where the performer is able to make minor adjustments to ensure the integrity of the piece while maintaining a high level of performance.

Conclusion

Edgard Varèse's Vexations is a daunting yet fascinating work that tests the limits of a performer's endurance, precision, and mental strength. Despite the challenges, there is a wealth of strategies and solutions to make this piece accessible to single performers and groups. Relay performances offer a unique and engaging experience, while single performer techniques such as self-control, mental discipline, mental stimulation, and adaptability help in navigating the challenges of such a lengthy and repetitive piece.

Keywords

Vexations, relay performance, self-control, perseverance, single performer