A generalization of this is that you should know which are the important notes and why, and make sure that the why is always communicated to the audience.
A perfect example is the opening measure of Strauss’ Don Juan. Strauss was brilliant in not staying a rush and flourish. It’s a gesture and emotion that would likely lose something if every note were pristine and crystal clear. Its important to try to capture the intent of the composer in any given moment.
Great interview Geoff and Joe! Great example in Beethoven 6 - it’s not supposed to sound pretty! This motto of “play the gesture” saved me many times in new music that just wasn’t really playable - get the idea across and stay in time! Thank you for sharing this!
A generalization of this is that you should know which are the important notes and why, and make sure that the why is always communicated to the audience.
Great point! I agree completely.
This is great-spot on! And smile while you play it, too!!
A perfect example is the opening measure of Strauss’ Don Juan. Strauss was brilliant in not staying a rush and flourish. It’s a gesture and emotion that would likely lose something if every note were pristine and crystal clear. Its important to try to capture the intent of the composer in any given moment.
Great interview Geoff and Joe! Great example in Beethoven 6 - it’s not supposed to sound pretty! This motto of “play the gesture” saved me many times in new music that just wasn’t really playable - get the idea across and stay in time! Thank you for sharing this!
You're welcome! Exactly - sometimes you have to lose some preciseness to get the right overall feeling across.
awesome advice :D
Thanks for the great content, as always!
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks so much Bruno and I hope you're keeping well :-)
Oh good god I had to play that movement as a single bassist in a chamber orchestra!
That sounds like a nightmare! :-) Great work for getting through it.
...top musicians like Joseph Conyers can exceptional play fast, but my mind is unfortunately too slow to understand it in time!!!
Fake it till you make it ...😅💖💖💖
I'd like to learn about the bow hold he has.
We are due to cover that in a future lesson.