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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.

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...
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.
Did you know that Joshua Bell didn't get serious about the violin until he was 15?
Actually, it was when he was 12. He won the competition that launched his career at 14.