DVORAK!!!!!!

December 22, 2006 at 1:40 AM

That is in "screamfont" (I'M GOING TO PLAY THE DVORAK ROMANCE WITH AN ORCHESTRA) because my brain is screaming it...

The conductor just called me from the road. She listened to the two Beethoven Romances and the Dvorak, and she wants to do the Dvorak. I'm very excited. I worked the first couple of pages for fingerings and bowings today and was secretly hoping she would pick that one. It is probably more difficult, but oh, the harmonic movement and melody(ies) and it's voice!

My v.com t-shirt came today. I'm wearing it now. I'm impressed. It fits. It is hard to find clothes that fit correctly, and this one is perfect.

I couldn't conceal the fact that I bought it anymore...since it is on me.

I'm having major viola issues again. I can't hold it. I put several rolls of socks under the shoulder rest diagonally and it was much higher, which solved the problems, but created a new one. Pressure pushing UP on my jaw/head. But at least my posture was less crunchy. I really wish my viola fit me. Long neck, non-existant shoulders. When I put my shoulder rest on, it doesn't even rest on my shoulder. MOre like my biceps. Which of course, makes it point to the floor.

Anyway. Maybe I can rig something up that works and is comfy and not obviously...well....rigged up. :)

Sals,
JW

From Tom Holzman
Posted on December 22, 2006 at 2:30 AM

Good luck! It is a wonderful piece but more difficult than the Beethoven.

From Mendy Smith
Posted on December 22, 2006 at 3:14 AM

Try putting the socks under your arm (armpit area) not under the shoulder rest. That will help keep your arm from drooping. Violas aren't meant to be held as high as you would a violin. Most violists let their instrument drop just a hair below horizontal. I'm not sure what kind of a shoulder rest you are using, but you may want to take you viola down to the shop and try out a few different styles to see which one works better for you. There are also elevated chin rests you can try.

From Scott 68
Posted on December 22, 2006 at 5:22 AM

absolutely gorgeous music

From jennifer steinfeldt warren
Posted on December 22, 2006 at 5:06 PM

Mendy, thanks for confirming my idea that a viola is held differently (lower). My violin is much more to the side as well, whereas my viola towards the front more. Mostly because of the weight and size.

I currently use a Kun rest, but it is too big (it was the smalles Kun I could find). In order for it to stay on at all, I have to push it far enough down that it isn't on my shoulder when I put it up. I also have rubber bands and a cosmetic pad on the side that connects with the collarbone (area) so that the viola isn't so tilted.
I tried a comford rest last year, but sent it back because it didn't fit the viola. It felt nice, but fell off just about every time.
I moved the chin rest to the middle, which helped a bit.
What other kinds of shoulder rests would you recommend?
A friend suggested putting cork under the chin rest legs, but I think that with my instrument, that would kill the sound.?
Thanks,
Jennifer

From Mendy Smith
Posted on December 23, 2006 at 5:33 AM

Try a Wolf or Mach 1 shoulder rest. They are both more centered on the Viola but allow more movement.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 2:48 AM

The Dvorak Romance is beautiful. I wish I could hear you play it. I'm sure you'll do it beautifully.

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

DVORAK!!!!!!

Laurie's Books

Subscribe