How does Chong perceive the connection between baking and music?

Question

Accepted Answer

Chong views baking sourdough and creating music as parallel artistic processes.

Terence Chong, the proprietor of Wild Yeast Bakery, draws significant parallels between the craft of sourdough baking and his former career as a classical musician. He likens the natural processes involved in cultivating wild yeast to the fundamental elements of music, such as instrument vibration, rhythm, and air. This perspective informs his approach to baking, where he emphasizes the crucial role of time and energy, viewing them as essential ingredients in both his culinary and musical endeavors.
The Artistry of Sourdough and Music

Chong perceives both sourdough baking and music as inherently artistic pursuits that require dedication and a nuanced understanding of their core components. He explains that just as wild yeast is a natural phenomenon, so too are the vibrations of an instrument, the rhythm of a piece, and the ambient air integral to musical composition and performance. This philosophical overlap is reflected in the naming of his bakery's products, with offerings like the "Smoked Salmon Concerto" and "Egg Mayo Mushroom Sonata" serving as a playful nod to his musical background and its connection to his current passion.
Time as a Crucial Element

A central theme in Chong's comparison is the indispensable nature of time in both disciplines. He states that "Time is the most essential ingredient for sourdough bread," underscoring the lengthy fermentation process, which can extend to 52 hours, as critical for developing natural flavour. Similarly, creating music demands significant time for practice, composition, and performance. This shared reliance on patient development and the investment of time and energy connects his two worlds, highlighting his respect for the gradual unfolding of flavour in bread and the meticulous crafting of musical pieces.
Transferable Skills and Artistic Expression

The transition from a 15-year career as a professional bassoonist and sound engineer to becoming a full-time baker is not seen by Chong as a radical departure but rather a continuation of artistic expression. His experience in the National Symphony Orchestra for four years instilled in him principles that he has transferred to his business acumen, such as understanding partnership and legalities, learned from a previous startup. This foundation, combined with his artistic sensibility, allows him to conceptualize food first and then imbue it with creative names and culinary artistry, bridging his past and present vocations.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does Chong perceive the connection between baking and music?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends