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Natasha Marsalli

Another entry from Natasha, crazed violinist

December 29, 2005 at 7:03 PM

Everyone thinks the player owns the violin. I have decided that this is not true; the violin owns the musician. In fact, the musician is practically the violin's slave; the musician massages/polishes it, feeds its bow rosin, wraps it up for journeys, humidifies it, buys gadgets to go with it...is there much a violinist wouldn't do for his/her instrument?
There's my philosophical thought of the day.

I'm trying out a new practice technique. Being half Italian and part Irish, I have somehow managed to inherit both Italian and Irish tempers. This is abd when I practice, because I lose concentration and only end up getting mad and frustrated with myself. In the past, I practice however many hours I want in hour-long chunks, so I don't get too tired and my short attention span is kept sharp. Now, I continue to practice in apprx.-hour-long chunks, but when I near fifty minutes, I practice one section over and over and over until I'm happy with it. Then I walk away. Just walk away, leave the violin in the open case, put away my music...and come back and practice later. This way, I end feeling happy rather than depressed and feeling un-improved. We'll see how this goes.

My chair challenge is exactly ten days away, not counting today. I feel prepared-enough, but I'm lacking my usual confidence. I suspect this is because I couldn't practice my music as much, and I'm not as ready as I was last year, even though I think I'm playing better than last year. Hm.

I go home in a week (YEAH!). I don't mind short visits, but three weeks is a little too long for my taste. That gives me three days vacation at home before school starts up again. *sigh* How droll.

From Sydney Menees
Posted on December 29, 2005 at 7:13 PM
The violin chooses the performer. It has to match the player's style of playing.
From Clare Chu
Posted on December 29, 2005 at 10:34 PM
The violin lives longer than the player, and is the closest thing for immortality for famous players. Paganini is no longer here, but his violin is still here to play for us.
From Pauline Lerner
Posted on December 30, 2005 at 6:10 AM
You're right. The violin owns the player and never lets her forget it.

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