Hello CSO,
Here are some notes from last rehearsal.
Stars and Stripes
Don’t hesitate on the first note! In measure 13, there it says “sub p”. Remember, that means suddenly piano, or, suddenly, play quieter! So- get really fortissimo at the end of measure 12 to make your sudden quietness stand out. (Because if you are quiet to begin with, no one will really notice if you suddenly get quieter.) Celli, make sure you have a sudden burst of speed on the beginning of the notes.
In measure 54, violins, have a richochet bow, which brings to mind all kinds of hazards, but really it is just a way of bouncing the bow. Completely relax your bow grip in order to let the bow bounce by itself.To bounce slowly, place the bow near the balance point.
To bounce faster, play with the bow closer to the tip.
If you have six extra minutes of time, watch this neat video about Stars and Stripes by Odd Quartet. http://oddquartet.com/musichistory/stars-and-stripes-music-history-07/
October
Start at the tip of the bow for the first note. At measure 49, Mr. R will be counting in 2. So each beat of the baton you’d play the half note (outside players). Then, when we slow down at the molto ritardando, measure 56, Mr. R will count it in 4. So draw some eyeglasses or googly eyes above that measure so you know to watch the baton. That will help us to get through that tricky transition. At 57, we’ll be back to a tempo. Here is a link to a really beautiful version with winds and brass. I love the sweeping, cinematic sound of it.
Brandenburg Concerto
For those of you who practiced at 92 bpm, apologies if your arm fell off. It is a bit too fast for those 16th notes and for the character of the piece. We are going to shoot for 82 instead.
Pretend there is a staccato dot on the notes and give space between them. Play them short and off the string.
For phrasing: play strong on the first phrase, then a little more subserviant on the second. It is like you are talking to yourself and answering back more timidly. Ex. of internal dialog: Did I really eat that entire package of cookies? Yes, I did, but I will do better tomorrow.
Have a good week and see you Saturday!
—E.S.
