Today, November 26th, 2024, the auditorium of the "Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library in Iași hosts the Romanian premiere of the concert-reading "Bach chez Cioran, une tragédie angélique." The protagonists are Franco-Romanian pianist Mara Dobresco and French actor Volodia Serre. Mara Dobresco, the project's initiator, shares more details in a dialogue with our colleague Ioana Țintea.

Mrs. Dobrescu, you mentioned in a previous interview that this concert-reading is very close to your heart. What inspired this artistic initiative, which brings together Johann Sebastian Bach's music and the philosophical writings of Emil Cioran?

It all started with a book I received in Iași many years ago, during my final year there, just before I left to study in Paris. It was an anthology of Cioran's texts on music, and I loved it so much that I returned to its pages year after year.Later, in Paris, I purchased Cioran's complete works and read them extensively. Strangely, each time I opened one of his books, Bach's music would start to play in my mind in a truly extraordinary way. I can't explain why, but it happened often.It felt like a rendezvous with myself-whenever I picked up one of his books, I knew that a specific piece of Bach's music would resonate in my mind.The project was developed in collaboration with Volodia Serre, an actor and director I've worked with before. Together, we selected excerpts and musical pieces to share this project with the audience. If I had to explain the connection, I'd say there's a certain dramatic quality in Cioran's writings that resonates with Bach's music-especially his cantatas, but also in the works we chose, which serveas a musical reflection of Cioran's texts.

What specifically caught your attention inCioran's connectionto Bach's music? There's a striking contrast between the precise, balanced structure of Bach's music and Cioran's philosophical outlook, marked by introspection and, often, tranquility.

Absolutely, and perhaps it was this tranquility that impressed me, along with the ability to express his feelings and experiences regarding Bach's music so beautifully. As a musician, I'm not sure I could articulate these emotions so effectively. That's why I chose to be a performer-music is my best means of expression. But here was a writer who said, "Bach is my religion." I believe Bach truly transported him into a realm and dimension far removed from daily life. What struck me most was the way he narrated these experiences so exquisitely.I thinkwe can all find a way to delve deeper into Bach's music and allow it to take us on a journey, reaching the highest peaks or the deepest recesses of our souls.

Emil Cioran frequently links Johann Sebastian Bach with the concept of divinity in his works. How do you interpret this relationship between Bach's music and spirituality?

Cioran once said, "When I listened to Bach, I saw God come into being." I think we all feel a sense of elevation when we listen to Bach. It's well known that Bach composed many cantatas and had a special relationship with the divine, with the supreme. Cioran tried to capture this in his writings, and I think he was right when he said, "There is no illness that cannot be healed by a tear that begins to sing."For me, that tear is Bach's music, which truly has the power to heal us all.

How will you represent the connection between Bach and Cioran through music? Tell us about the pieces you've chosen for your performance in Iași.

I've selected works that build a bridge between text and music, including inventions, preludes, a chorale, and the Toccata in E minor, which wasn't originally composed for organ. This piece expresses the dramatic intensity-what Cioran referred to as the essence of music, saying, "Music is nothing if it doesn't drive you mad."Certainly, this toccata is full of drama and virtuosic passages, with moments that recall the recitatives in cantatas. As a pianist, I naturally focused on works written for my instrument, but I would have loved to incorporate other pieces, such as oratorios. However, I chose pieces that evoke the same sense of drama and lyricism found in cantatas and oratorios. Without spoiling too much, I'll say the performance will end on a joyful note with the third movement of the Italian Concerto.

The Romanian premiere of the show will take place in Iași. What does it mean to you to return home with such a meaningful project?

It's always a great joy to return home. The seed for this project was planted in my mind during my time in Iași, and as the French say, la vie fait les choses-life works in mysterious and beautiful ways. It feels fitting to have the premiere here in Iași, where the idea first took shape, inspired by this book and the wonderful gift I received. Next year marks 30 years since Emil Cioran's passing in Paris, and we hope to take this project to other cities as part of that occasion. Coming home is always a wonderful experience. Each time I return, I feel a special kind of anticipation because I know that a part of the audience has watched me grow as apianist. They're curious to see what new musical projects I've been involved in and what I bring back from my life in France. It's both exciting and deeply meaningful.