- The link will take you, at least on my computer, to a screen with a media player, since Blogger doesn't have a player of its own.
- I cut out the cello harmonics which comprise the first part of the piece. That's because they are incredibly difficult, and the group has only been playing this piece two months. So it still sounds a little squeaky. The kids are very hopeful that they'll get put into the same configuration next year, with the same coach, and that they'll be able to learn and perfect all the movements next year. Then I'll post the whole thing ;-). As is, it's six minutes long.
- CZ's caveat: "I really messed up badly a couple of times!" They're fifteen and it's a work in progress, so perhaps you'll forgive them?
- It was my first time using my new handheld recorder. I set the recording volume too high and there's a bit of fuzz during the loudest parts of the piece, and some extraneous tapping at the end as I tried to turn the thing off.
- And I withhold all names and faces to protect CZ's friends, who have no idea I have a blog. And I don't have a photo anyway, because I goofily forgot to put the memory card in my camera. Oh, well! I got the music, and that's the important part.
And one last thing: Being in a chamber group has been a very encouraging experience for CZ this year. It's hard to get a chamber group going that works and wants to keep playing together. These three high schoolers, two girls and a boy born in three different countries, clicked almost immediately because they all love music and want to play well. When they came out to perform, you could tell that they worked together very naturally. I'm really pleased that they've gelled and also that they were assigned an excellent coach.
Enjoy!
8 comments:
Delightful! I can't wait to have Libby listen when she gets in. And the tapping at the end was great, too. ;)
Wow..wonderful! Very well done. I enjoyed every bit and certainly could not detect those problem spots that you mentioned. What a blessing to be able to play such wonderful music!
... they all love music and want to play well.
You'd think those two things would go together naturally, wouldn't you? But Chris and I just returned from a music camp where most everyone loved the music but hardly any were interested in playing better. Even playing a song a second time was a burden to them. We don't understand it, but we've gotten used to it.
Oh, well, I suppose there are different ways to love music. Be thankful that CZ has found some fellow travelers who live it the same way.
MacBeth, I was wondering yesterday where you'd been, because I haven't seen new post on your blog in a long time. How are you? I hope Libby will have mercy ;-), as I'm sure she is a very educated listener. And yes, that was some very convincing extraneous tapping, wasn't it?
Silvana, I think the musician always hears some problem spots. Otherwise, they wouldn't be getting any better. I heard different spots than CZ did, and when I asked about one, she replied, "Oh, that spot is like those harmonics, crazy hard!" So at least she was giving herself *some* leeway. She says she hit a wrong note, to which I replied that the piece was dissonant enough to mask it somewhat.
Rick, without going in to details, I'll just say that I really *am* thankful. The kids in this program vary in their levels of interest and team spirit, but for the most part they're happy to be there and work quite hard. What I particularly like about these two kids that CZ plays with is that they pretty much are who they are, and they seem to be appreciative of finding others who are serious, yet willing to work as a team.
I'm glad you shared this, Laura, even with all the caveats. I enjoyed listening to it. And I agree: it is great that CZ has found other like-minded musicians to learn and play with. And thanks to CZ for letting you share it. I know Lauren often had many caveats when I wanted to share her music but I *think* that I've convinced her that sharing her music is a meaningful gift she can give to others, despite it's imperfections. We love works-in-process around here!
Hi Melissa,
I'm glad you liked the work in process. It's funny that CZ understands the nature of sharing music at school, where the competition is pretty stiff, and doesn't mind it. I think it's this new realm of not having any idea where the recording will wind up online that makes her a little uneasy. And I can understand that. Or maybe it's partly knowing that you and MacBeth have college-level conservatory listeners that makes her a little nervous. But then again, we know a number of college-level musicians, too, so I guess that, once again, it's the factor of the unknown, or perhaps the re-playable!
Anyway, it's all good practice!
It sounded wonderful to me. They sounded like they enjoyed what they were doing. Thanks for sharing!
Finally got back to this entry and time to listen to the performance. I appreciate how difficult it is for the players (and the moms who record and share). It made more sense to me because I'd just had the chance to hear Shostakovich (Symphony#5 D Minor Op47) at Hillsdale this past weekend.
It's going to be fun to keep up with CZ's performances...even if I am far away.
Again, thanks for taking the time to share.
Post a Comment