The Life of the Adult Amateur Player (4)

November 9, 2012 at 7:58 PM

I'm working my way through the Suzuki books for viola. I have always loved the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor for Violin, which is something of a milestone piece in the Suzuki violin repertoire, being I believe the first opportunity the repertoire presents to learn a full concerto. I was however quite disappointed to realize that while the allegro and presto movements have been included in the Suzuki viola repertoire (book 4), the highly expressive largo movement has been omitted. I don't know the reason for this but when my teacher suggested that I play it anyway, I jumped at the chance and started hunting for the score. After much searching, I concluded that the score was simply not available, commercially or otherwise. It seemed nobody had bothered to transpose it for us violists. Next my teacher suggested I do my own transcription. That sounded like a reasonable plan and I set to it with staff paper and pencil … only to get frustrated by the demands those long runs of 32nd notes placed upon my penmanship. That's when I decided to experiment with music notation software. Naturally I looked at the well-known programs first but of course they were too pricey. Then I tried an open source program but found it too difficult to master. (Heck, I would have had to really read the manual!) So I ended up using what a friend of mine told me is popularly referred to as nagware, or, the free trial version of a program which prompts (nags) me to register it every time I open it. Nevertheless, when I select the "remind me later" option it still allows me to open and use the program, a consideration for which I am truly grateful. If I ever get around to buying a program, it will probably be that one out of--if nothing else--sheer gratitude.

And so, early this morning I did something of which I am quite proud: I uploaded my transcription to the IMSLP Petrucchi Library, from which you or anyone else in the world can now download it:

http://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ReverseLookup/257874

It’s my little gift to the violists of the world. I suppose having shared this story someone is inevitably going to let me know that a transcription was already available elsewhere. Hey, that’s fine too. The knowledge wouldn't diminish my pleasure at having given something of even just a little value to a community that means more to me than any other community in the world… musicians.

From Vanessa Johan
Posted on November 10, 2012 at 3:49 AM

do you mean concerto in A minor - vivaldi - 2nd movement? the score is in suzuki book 5 if i'm not mistaken.

From George Christy
Posted on November 10, 2012 at 3:52 AM

Thanks very much for sharing the largo movement for viola. I will download it now.

From Diana Dow
Posted on November 10, 2012 at 5:01 AM

Not only have you given something to the viola community but you have given yourself the opportunity to look at this piece with such detail that it will always be with you.

From Heather Broadbent
Posted on November 10, 2012 at 6:40 AM

what software or should I say nagware did you use?

From Rosita Hopper
Posted on November 10, 2012 at 11:04 AM

To Vanessa, you're right that the largo is in Suzuki violin book 5, but not in viola book 5. As for what software I used, I feel funny about giving out brand names so will respond privately to anyone who asks, or, those who are curious can contact me privately through my profile. Thanks for reading. My next task is to transcribe the piano accompaniment. Stay tuned. (Giggle)

From Vanessa Johan
Posted on November 11, 2012 at 12:11 AM

@Rosita: wow, ok. I thought the songs/pieces in suzuki are same for violin and viola, only in different clefs. didn't know it as i've never played the viola. thanks for info.

I think i know the software you use. i've tried transcribing music too, but oh,......it looks so messy and I'm still in the fase of "trying out" while i have it for months already.

From Christina C.
Posted on November 13, 2012 at 3:52 PM

Totally late to the party.... I must have been neglecting the V.com blog page more than I realized because this is my first time seeing your blog and I absolutely love it. Along with your wonderful passion for music, you also have a significant talent for articulating and communicating that passion. That is crystal clear from the many comments of the folks inspired by your posts. You have penned so many gems that sum up this crazy thing we do that I may make a document of your posts and keep them for easy-access inspiration.

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The Life of the Adult Amateur Player (4)

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