The St. Patrick's Day Dinner Party

February 26, 2008 at 5:44 PM

Today I was writing my sister, who plays the bowed psaltry, an e-mail about my practice today and it seemed to turn into a violinist blog. Here is a part of my e-mail to my older (intelligent and prettier sister):

"Actually, I have to be careful where I spend my time. I just finished a 20 minute practice of "Danny Boy". I had the sheet music in the key of C. The intro starts on b natural--and the melody starts on b as well-(below middle C) I rewrote it up one octave. that really high note--" 'tis I'll be there" that note for the word "there" is a high, high E.
I think it is in third or 4th position--I have only learned first position so I had to quick look it up and LEARN it. It is a good thing that you and I have an idea what notes are supposed to sound like because I can adjust my fingers--you know "fudge" a little to nail that note--It is a little tricky starting from measure 29 to 33. After that it is smooth sailing to the end of the piece. If I am going to make a fool of myself again at the St Patrick's dinner party again I have to nail this and even though I have not learned vibrato yet. I don't want to jar these dinner guests with horrible wrong notes.
I have the old standbys that I can play-Wild Irish Rose and that fairy thing but this is one that I botched up in the lower octave last year and if the same people come--and they are all boomers like us--I need to get it right.
These are the people who lived in that house without running water but raised 3 kids who all graduated top of their class--dancer/ballet, academics, librarian/poet. Super creative family. Mom taught drums father played guitar and has been an actor. They had two weddings one with the horses and animals all decorated with flowers and the other in a church. Remember them?
When they throw a party they invite actors, teachers, artists and musicians and everyone has a wonderful time. This time--I am not going to be a guest. I am going as a "featured soloist" along with a poetry reading and a few other assorted instrumentalists. Should be fun."
Last time I went there I had only been taking violin for one year. This time--I have another year under my belt and a new bow which is delivering a more consistent tone. Let you know how it goes--

From Joe Fischer
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 9:54 PM

indulge in a few pints of guinness beforehand.
get yourself into the mood of the gala;then your strings may exude a wee bit more of the spirit involved in such a mandate,which you suscribe to.
make the party, buy your playing and have a great time doing so.
all best......

From Joe Fischer
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 10:09 PM

^^^
make the party by your playing.
others will notice,if u manage to get them--in the mood.

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The St. Patrick's Day Dinner Party

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