June 29, 2005 at 1:50 AM

Got a double dose of inspiration last week (sorta like a double shot of espresso, without the sleeplessness).

First, I had my regular lesson with Virginia. This time, when she asked if I had any questions, I replied that I didn't have many this week but I really wanted her to help me with my artificial harmonics, because they sounded so terrible I didn't even want to practice them anymore. So she did, and once again showed me all these things I could play with that I hadn't, such as varying my bow speed and position. I discovered that I have to touch the E string really lightly, way more lightly than I had been. I also found that I have to do different things with the bow depending on what string I'm playing on. Also, I need to work on going back and forth between the natural 0-3 harmonic and the artificial 1-4. It's such a relief every time I realize that I'm not doomed to failure, that I just need to find a different way to play something.

Then, last Friday I had a real treat, watching Joshua Bell get inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. He played Saint-Saëns' "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso", excerpts from "The Red Violin" soundtrack, and "Mi Mancherai" with Josh Groban. A wonderful concert and inspiring performance. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet him this time, but there will be other opportunities in the future.

It's people like this who make me realize how much I love being a violinist.

From Carley Anderson
Posted on June 29, 2005 at 6:49 PM

Oh...you got to hear JB! I'm so jealous! I would be even more jealous if I didn't get to see him in concert locally a few months ago. I love Saint-Saen's piece!!!! Ohh, I've just GOT to play that sometime...sorry, I'm hijacking your blog...

From Karin Lin
Posted on June 29, 2005 at 10:30 PM

No problem; he is pretty awesome, isn't he? ;) I love the "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" too and his recording of it, recently re-released by Decca, is fantastic.

From Sydney Menees
Posted on June 30, 2005 at 3:01 PM

Did you know that Joshua Bell didn't get serious about the violin until he was 15?

From Karin Lin
Posted on June 30, 2005 at 3:42 PM

Actually, it was when he was 12. He won the competition that launched his career at 14.

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