Crazy? Maybe.

July 7, 2012 at 2:38 AM

It started with a "would you like to play the Serioso on Friday night after the concert?". "Sure!" I replied. A few days later was a request to play with another group for coaching, music TBD. I like playing with these folks, so I agreed, and discovered later that we were going to work on Britten and the Grosse Fugue. A week or so later, I found myself agreeing to play the Brahms Sextets - 1st viola part, and not shortly afterwards a Brahms Quintet. Oh, and somewhere along the way, agreed to play Beethoven's Op. 132 at another after-concert jam.

Um, ok. So now I have about an inch thick stack of music to learn in the next 2 months, none of it easy. And to make it more interesting, no lessons until AFTER Interlochen. I may have bitten a bit more off than I can chew, but look forward to it all. I have the luxury of exploring this music with friends without any performance pressure looming over my head. The only pressure is having it ready enough to play well with others. Granted, that's asking alot given what I signed up for.

As my previous teacher said, "You're crazy, but we already know that! Bartok the next year."

Now that's an idea! Maybe I'll start a little sooner.

From Dottie Case
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:56 AM

Enjoy! I love some of those. We also do them at my camp. I have, as always, enrolled and paid, but my attendance this year is a little up in the air due to a job issue. I'll be very sad if I cannot go...it's the funnest/best week of my year.
BTW, it was 100 degrees at 8 pm tonight in GR Mi. May it cool down for you.

From Tyrone Wilkins
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:36 AM

Take it ONE PIECE AT A TIME. Try to learn the hardest ones first. Enjoy your performances. I can only wish to be involved in chamber music like that.

From Lisa Van Sickle
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:46 PM

Sometimes you just have to say yes, and these pieces are all in the YES!! category. The first viola part of the first Brahms sextet is why we all play viola in the first place. Live it up and have fun.

From Arashi Lilith
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:36 PM

I'm in a similar position right now... One would think a two week program would refrain from inch-think repitior, but I digress. Good luck, and please wish me luck as well :-)

From Paul Deck
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 2:01 PM

Mendy, what it means is that you are in demand as a competent and sensitive collaborator! Good for you!

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