Tchaikovsky in the summer

June 13, 2009 at 1:35 AM

Summer is almost here! Does your orchestra play during the summer? I'm excited for this summer since I get to play Tchaikovsky 6. I looked at the music and sadly, the 2nd violin part does not contain that beautiful melody.

By the way, you veterans out there, how difficult is this piece (2nd violin part)? Compare to say, the Vivaldi Seasons (not solo, orchestra part that is).

From Christopher Liao
Posted on June 13, 2009 at 9:44 AM

I found that very often in this symphony, the 1st and 2nd violins often enter and exit similarly. I recall that it was a painstaking process to establish the timing between both sections.

The timing in movement 1 is tricky at first, but the notes are manageable. You're going to love movement 2 (my favorite part of the symphony). And playing the violin parts in movement 3 feels like the presto from Beethoven's Kreutzer sonata--you'll see why! It is a very exciting upbeat movement. Movement 4 was, to me, very heartwrenching. Don't fall asleep... those sixteenths and triplets came out of nowhere for me the first time through. But there are lots of places where you can really play tenderly; I really enjoyed listening to the brass and woodwinds.

In the end the difficulty, at least for us, was the tricky timing. Personally I find that there is a tendency to rush in some parts Tchaikovsky writes... well, maybe that's my fault haha. xD

Nevertheless, enjoy playing Pathetique!! I'm not going to be "orchestrally patronizing" by trying to convince you that 2nd violins are "pivotal to this and that blah blah blah." Instead, I'll tell you this: I WAS SO THANKFUL TO THE PRINCIPAL 2ND IN MANY INSTANCES. LOL.

From PM Rolf
Posted on June 13, 2009 at 7:34 PM

Chris, you're freakn me out.... the 3rd movement sounds like it's worse than playing Vivaldi Summer like a wild horse out!!! I am looking at the score I think I'm ready to faint.....

From Christopher Liao
Posted on June 14, 2009 at 6:06 AM

No! If anything, the post should be reassuring, not freaky!! Don't worry, you'll be fine. Like anything we do, we just gotta practice. :)

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Tchaikovsky in the summer

Subscribe

Laurie's Books