New York Times article on notation in classical music features CCM faculty
Ariel Quartet member Jan Grüning shares his insights on linguistic cues in musical scores
At UC's College-Conservatory of Music, tomorrow’s arts luminaries work with today’s industry leaders. CCM is home to an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated performers and arts professionals in their own right.
The New York Times recently turned to one of CCM's performing arts experts to weigh in on the topic of what musicologists call "paratext:" words—or even illustrations—that composers sometimes leave alongside their musical notation, which musicians then need to interpret as they try to bring a composer's idea to life.
In her examination of paratext, music critic Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim cites the example of French composer Erik Satie, whose surrealistic directions to musicians would sometimes include performance indications like "light as an egg" and "like a nightingale with a toothache."
According to CCM Associate Professor of Viola and Chamber Music Jan Grüning, who also serves as violist for CCM string quartet-in-residence the Ariel Quartet, these kinds of linguistic cues are meant to inspire a performer's attitude rather than prescribe an exact execution. “The words don’t tell you what to do,” he says to the New York Times. “They tell you how to be.”
Read the full New York Times article here (subscription required).
Next Lives Here
At the University of Cincinnati, we realize the impact our teaching, research, artistry and service can have on our community and the world. So, we don’t wait for change to happen. We break boundaries, boldly imagine and create what’s Next. To us, today’s possibilities spark tomorrow’s reality. That’s why we are leading urban public universities into a new era of innovation and impact, and that's how we are defining Next for the performing and media arts.
We're about engaging people and ideas - and transforming the world.
We are UC. Welcome to what's Next.
Featured image at the top: CCM faculty member and Ariel Quartet violist Jan Grüning. Photo/Marco Borggreve
Related Stories
What would expanded access to GLP-1s mean for the obesity rate?
December 4, 2025
The World Health Organization recently issued its first guidance on GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity — recommending long-term, continuous use when clinically appropriate. Malti Vij, MD, University of Cincinnati adjunct associate professor in the College of Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine, appeared on Cincinnati Edition on 91.7 WVXU News to discuss GLP-1s and what expanded insurance coverage of the medications might mean for Americans.
Feast of Carols features holiday hits, local choirs in concert Dec. 6-7
December 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music welcomes the holiday season with its annual Feast of Carols concerts on Dec. 6-7, 2025 in Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
CCM hosts Conducting Master Class March 5-8, 2026
December 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts the CCM Conducting Master Class on March 5-8, 2026. Open to emerging and established conductors, participants will have the opportunity to learn from CCM Director of Orchestral Studies Mark Gibson while working with the CCM Philharmonia.