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Mendy Smith

'Bach By 40' - One Year Remaining

October 2, 2009 at 4:43 AM

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!


From Royce Faina
Posted on October 2, 2009 at 1:36 PM

You Go Girl!  I just took a look at the Bach cello suites and am thinking maybe I would like to do as you.  Learn them before I'm 50!


From Ann Marie Cordial
Posted on October 2, 2009 at 2:38 PM

If I took that on, I'd have to set my goal at 90.

---Ann Marie


From Donna Clegg
Posted on October 2, 2009 at 4:44 PM

Kudos to you Mendy!  I am working on them also,  but keep jumping around randomly.  I keep thinking I will try to memorize a few, but my memorization skills are just about kaput these days.  Perhaps I will make a short term goal to memorize just one, inspired by Mendy Smith - violist extrordinaire.

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