Choice of material and even the order of events are matters to be regarded when addressing form. In a certain sense, form may be the most important element of music and for the solo line player, understanding the implications is crucial. A performance of any sort is basically comprised of units which I call gestures. These gestures can be small or large in nature. Each gesture consists of a purposeful movement, an action that is singular and clear.
Gestures come in gradients such as light, grandiose, bombastic, loud and so on.
The solo line player is constantly juggling small and large gestures-because by being unaccompanied, everything is clearer and more dramatic. This is the great challenge of solo playing-awareness and discreet use of all kinds of gestures. Finally, the solo line player is somewhat like a strip tease artist-all is bared emotionally for viewing. Technically, there is no one to hide behind-no drums covering up, no chords clouding the melodic intentions.