Tai Chi Chuan e o violoncelista: abordagem para a performance instrumental

Abstract

This dissertation sought to address the relationship between the practice of Tai Chi Chuan and the study of the cello, focusing on the benefits for the health of the musician, fundamentals of positioning and moving the body, efficiency and ease of movement, in addition to the inherent aesthetic and philosophical aspects to both arts. The research was based on bibliographic research that allowed us to identify the fundamental aspects of each of the practices. In addition, the author's personal experience in both practices was considered. Initially, the essential elements of cello practice were analyzed, focusing on the fundamentals of body positioning, movement, coordination, body awareness and the importance of breathing during performance. Then, the principles and techniques of Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art that emphasizes balance, fluidity of movements, mind-body integration and the application of philosophical concepts, were raised. The study sought to find points of convergence between Tai Chi Chuan and the cello, in order to demonstrate how the application of Tai Chi Chuan principles can benefit the life and performance of the cello. Among the results found, we can affirm that the practice of Tai Chi Chuan promotes relaxation, stress relief and posture improvement; body awareness developed in Tai Chi Chuan can be applied to the cello, improving ergonomics and reducing unnecessary tension; the smooth, precise strokes of Tai Chi Chuan can enhance the dexterity and fluidity of cello technique, resulting in more effective and expressive playing. The conclusion of this study points out that the fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan and cello are surprisingly similar, which suggests that the practice of Tai Chi Chuan can be used as an auxiliary tool to facilitate and improve the quality of life and, at the same time, cello performance.