Bach, Ysaye, Violinists, Ghosts, Dragons - The International Festival of Arts and Ideas

June 30, 2006 at 3:47 AM

The Next Leap

Well, it has come and gone, that being two of the most difficult performances that I have ever done. The rep? Both the G Minor and A Minor solo sonatas of Bach, Ysaye Second Sonata, and a piece called "Shapes" by Thomas Benjamin.

Many life experiences converged on the first day that I walked into the theatre - a strange direct transmission with the "original instructions". This was difficult in many ways - the first, of course, being a violinist and dealing with the "ghosts" of so many recordings, so many performances heard, and the challenge of playing these works well.

There were other dragons with me in New Haven as well...and they have been slayed.

I'm curious as to how many others have considered playing "lone violin recitals" and what you perceive the challenges to be.

Now I rest...and begin again...the question, of course, always, is "What next? What now? What new heights?" I would, of course, love to do this program again, either as a recital itself or in its entirety, which included some really amazing photos of the citizens of New Orleans taken by Eric Waters. The photos included shots of Mardi Gras indians as well as people dancing in the streets and two of the Grand Marshall of one of the Mardi Gras parades, standing elegantly in the sun.

Any ideas?

From Amy F
Posted on June 30, 2006 at 4:22 AM

That's a tough program! Congrats for pulling it off.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on June 30, 2006 at 7:22 AM

You played some very difficult repertoire. That is quite an achievement.

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