October 2009
October 15, 2009 19:28
The viola transcription for the S&P's arrived the other day. At Laurie's urging, I cracked them open and put bow to string on my favorite: the Chaconne. My question on 'what could be so difficult' was answered almost immediately. At the same time I saw the possibility that, yes, I can learn these before I reach 50, and what a journey the next 10 years will be!
But now is not the time. I have one year remaining to work on the Suites. There are only about 4 movements left to get under the hand so to speak. I can do this easily in a few months time. However I want to spend that "extra" time to re-visit movements that I began with on this journey. There is a depth that I haven't yet explored yet that deserves my time and focus. Not to mention techniques that need more work before I can even think of giving the S&P's a go.
So in the meantime, I will cherish my time with the Suites before moving on.
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October 7, 2009 20:59
It was suggested to me by my former teacher in Oregon that I take on the S&P's for my next musical (by 50 goal). At first I thought 'you're nuts', but then I had to reflect back to when I started on the Cello Suites and I was told that I was 'nuts' considering them. So why not? What can possibly be so difficult that it would take a decade to learn 6 pieces? Guess I'll be finding out in the next year.
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October 1, 2009 21:43
It was back in 2003 that I began this goal - to learn all the Bach Cello Suites before my 40th birthday. In a few days I'll be celebrating my first annual 39th birthday. Tonight I played through all the Suites that I've learned to date and was amazed at how far I've progressed since I first started this adventure. I have about 4 movements remaining to learn, mostly the Sarabandes. It is now a study of chord execution, bow control, and stamina.
I'm amazed that all of this has happened uninterrupted no matter where I have lived and who I studied under over these past 6 years - 2 countries, 3 states, and 5 teachers. I have been blessed with having teachers who have embraced this personal goal of mine and have focused their efforts in helping me in achieving this goal.
I'm looking forward to this final year and starting to ponder what the next goal I should set for myself. Should I re-visit the Suites with a different goal in mind or start something entirely different. Well, I have another year to decide. Until then, Bach On!
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