Schubert Quintet - Pros and One Con

March 9, 2008 at 10:44 PM

This was a great day. My friend, who is the cellist in my string quartet, and I got together with three others to play the Schubert Cello Quintet.

We are all from the American Youth Philharmonic, and everyone, besides me, are principals of their section, so naturally they are amazing. Here they are:

Anna Wuttig-1st Violin, Concertmistress

Brian Hong-2nd Violin, WAY back of first violin.

Alex Grimes-Viola-Principal Violist.

Alex Glaubitz-2nd Cello, one of my best friends, and a fabulous cellist, one of the principals of AYP.

Stephen Serene-1st Cellist, Principal Cellist of AYP, such a mature player.

Our first read through was great. Everyone had great intonation (I don't know about me), and everyone was tuned in to each other.

It was like driving one of the BMW M series-so responsive.

Unfortunately, one of the players in my quartet is very upset with us for playing in this quintet. I think that she is feeling left out.

We are all figuring out some dates to perform the Schubert-we are going to play it on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. We are going to try to get into a masterclass with the Pacifica quartet as well.

O shoot-my quartet is in that masterclass! I hope the other members won't be mad!

Does anyone have any tips for telling the other person that you don't mean to leave her out? She has been sending me text messages and e-mails saying how mad she is at us.

From Neil Cameron
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM

Hmmm, you might like to first consider if she has a reason to be upset.

I'd also certainly understand if the other quartet members get upset that you're attending the masterclass with this new group rather than the quartet you originally registered for the class with...

In other words, maybe it's your behaviour you should examine first.

Neil

From Brian Hong
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 8:03 PM

Ah, but our quartet is also performing at the masterclass. And, the cellist and I have told the other member in polite but in no uncertain terms that we do care about this quartet, and that this is a short term thing. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough.

From Samuel Thompson
Posted on March 11, 2008 at 9:52 AM

This is a tough one - but congratulations to you as well! There's nothing better than having a situation that flows smoothly and serenely...

Regarding your quartet member - perhaps it would be good to first ask yourself why she was not asked to play the quintet, and then take her aside for a private conversation....not easy, as there is the risk of dealing with sore feelings, but I'm sure that if your motivations were pure (those being that you did not leave her out because of her playing or anything personal) and a very humble and sincere apology is given then you will be just fine.

Pacifica Quartet is AWESOME! That will be wonderful for you!

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Schubert Quintet - Pros and One Con

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