This is Metronome Week! Play absolutely everything with the metronome.
Solo
Bach A minor:
1st movement
James complimented my vibrato. He also pointed out that my tempo is too fast. So, use the metronome. Continue the tape-recorder routine with the metronome. Bad news: metronome work often takes away expressiveness, so make sure to overdo the dynamics and melodic line. In other words, try going over the top to balance out what's lost. Between each couple of rehearsal letters, point out the two most out-of-tune notes, then play them to plus-three. This will help bring everything into focus. Think about why the note was out of tune. Was it flat or sharp. Why? Also: this is a concerto, so play it like a soloist, not a chamber musician.
2nd movement
Keep playing it slowly, with the metronome.
3rd movement
The tricky part is much better. Some days, start the chords at the beginning, sometimes at the end, or even in the middle. Don't let any of them get shortchanged. Relax the arm and focus on tone at the same time. Listen to the recording! Tricky part number two: play first with sticky separate bows, then sticky slurs, then full slurs.
Chamber music
Bach D minor:
Have all movements ready for Thursday. Listen to the recording.
Polish dance by Severn.
This is the number one priority for next week. Clean up memory issues. Play everything closer to the frog. They aren't grace notes, but full sixteenth notes. Play them as such! Keep bow speed absolutely steady during harmonics. Count out the slow sections. Have Mum help by counting anything longer that a half note. Work on the fourth chords to plus-seven. In measure 237-240, have Mum help by playing the C's on the piano. E sharps as well. Play more with music than without. Find the CD and listen! The whole piece can be played with a more aggressive sound, except for those bits that aren't. Work on wrong notes. Play harmonics as 4 in a row. Work on keeping a good bowhold even while doing pizzicato. Metronome!
Fiddle when I can, especially Morris.
No comments:
Post a Comment