Hello, it's been awhile - Just an update on what I've been up to . . .
I'm finishing up a grad degree at UTSA this semester*. The degree, although nominally a 'solo performance' degree, has managed to cover several areas of collaborative piano at the same time. For example: I began studying the harpsichord - which enabled me to learn/perform Brandenburg No. 5 last year with a chamber ensemble - and presently I'm prepping for a Baroque recital at the end of this month. Rachel Podger is doing a 1-week residency here, so I've been immersing myself in Telemann, Vivaldi, Bach and Purcell.
We're doing Vivaldi Summer and Winter, Bach Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041, Telemann Concerto for flute and Violin TWV 52:e3, and selections from Purcell's Fairy Queen.
One of the harder things to adapt to (outside the completely altered touch needed on a different instrument) is the lack of 'written music'. Yes, there is a part - but it is mostly just a bass line. It takes a lot of familiarity with everyone's part to improv stuff with confidence.
Hence the listening - I hope to steal ideas as deftly as possible.
My solo recital is in February - and then sweet freedom (until the next thing pops up). Actually, I think I start Handel's Messiah in March, so I guess I don't get much of a break after all . . . sigh.
*and I must say, being a grad student is way better the 2nd time around. Now we have streaming music, online books, online EVERYTHING . . .
I'm finishing up a grad degree at UTSA this semester*. The degree, although nominally a 'solo performance' degree, has managed to cover several areas of collaborative piano at the same time. For example: I began studying the harpsichord - which enabled me to learn/perform Brandenburg No. 5 last year with a chamber ensemble - and presently I'm prepping for a Baroque recital at the end of this month. Rachel Podger is doing a 1-week residency here, so I've been immersing myself in Telemann, Vivaldi, Bach and Purcell.
We're doing Vivaldi Summer and Winter, Bach Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041, Telemann Concerto for flute and Violin TWV 52:e3, and selections from Purcell's Fairy Queen.
One of the harder things to adapt to (outside the completely altered touch needed on a different instrument) is the lack of 'written music'. Yes, there is a part - but it is mostly just a bass line. It takes a lot of familiarity with everyone's part to improv stuff with confidence.
Hence the listening - I hope to steal ideas as deftly as possible.
My solo recital is in February - and then sweet freedom (until the next thing pops up). Actually, I think I start Handel's Messiah in March, so I guess I don't get much of a break after all . . . sigh.
*and I must say, being a grad student is way better the 2nd time around. Now we have streaming music, online books, online EVERYTHING . . .
