Letter from Diane (9/16)

Hey Camerata,

Tonight we spent some good focused time at the beginning of rehearsal thinking about a warm, balanced orchestral sound. Let’s keep focusing on this in the days forward so that we are not only in TUNE, but also in TONE–meaning that not only does our pitch match, but in addition, our tone quality is blended, balanced and full of warmth and beauty.

Here is your GTCYS 10 for this week:

• If you have not yet listened to this recording of the Dvorak, please do so. Listen for the main themes of the first movement. Can you sing them back to yourself?

• One of the things that challenged us in rehearsal this week was the ability to play through phrases without getting “sticky” on notes or rhythms that we were still learning. Please take the time to practice the Mozart and the Dvorak learning the notes and rhythms carefully so that we can move beyond any of those barriers when we rehearse together. The work you do on your own is a huge gift to our group!

• Scan through your part to the Gallante. Where are your soloistic moments (meaning, where do you have the lead parts–either as a section or as a solo player?) Practice these parts listening for a warm, mature, orchestral sound that includes:
  • Strings-no open strings
  • Vibrato used evenly throughout the phrase (when appropriate)
  • Excellent pitch (put your tuner on the stand and have it track your pitch as you play. This is especially helpful for wind instruments!)
  • A warm, focused tone quality that uses appropriate air support (winds) bow weight (strings) and stickings (percussion)

Here are some fun facts about Mozart’s “Overture to the Marriage of Figaro”

• The opera, the Marriage of Figaro is 3 hours long, but it only took Mozart six weeks to write it!

• Opera overtures usually contain highlights of pieces that you will hear later in the opera, but the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro does not do this. All of the music in the overture was written just for the beginning of the opera and is only heard once.

• The plot of the opera is based on a play that was banned because it made fun of the noble class of European rulers. Despite that, Emperor Joseph II was talked into the idea that it would make a great opera, and it is now considered one of the best operas of all time.

• The main character, Figaro also appears in Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” (which Camerato Con Brio Played Last Season!)

I’m looking forward to seeing you at our retreat on Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your lunch and to fill out the absence form if you will not be able to make it.

Until then, Always Live Your Life Con Brio!