Photo: jgroup/istockphoto
Yesterday the musician packet for the Oregon Symphony‘s 2009-2010 season arrived. What’s inside such a package? Well, first of all, the schedule for the entire season, both rehearsals and concerts. There are parking assignments for the entire orchestra, as well as parking passes unique to each season. Also included are rosters and rehearsal orders (the description of which pieces will be rehearsed at each rehearsal) for the first several concerts, as well as information about payroll, insurance, and leave policies. Oh, and there are also detailed dress codes for each type of concert. I generally feel that first twinge of excitement about the upcoming season when this packet comes – it means that life in the orchestra is about to begin anew for another season, and that summer is coming to a close. Not that I don’t enjoy summer, but I also enjoy working and learning new music, too.
On tap for the rest of the summer is my push to re-learn the Bartók Viola Concerto so that I can really have it under my fingers. In the past my go-to concerto has been Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher, but I think that the Bartók makes a stronger impression, and I’ve never had to play it on a recital before (unlike the Hindemith) so I’d like to nail it down early in the Fall. Before I do that, however, I’ve got to get back to the instrument, start with some slow warm-ups and etudes, and build up some strength and endurance. Being a musician really is like being an athlete, just using smaller muscle groups. One has to warm up, stretch, and cool down. One can also get injured, and must undergo physical therapy and work hardening in order to get back up to top playing shape. It’s a fact often overlooked by the average concert goer.
5 replies on “back to work”
Hey, thanks for your post! I found your blog on twitter and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I agree, Bartok is a must. I’m a cellist myself and understand how hard it can be to decide on your ‘go-to’ concerto. I’m trying to put together two at the moment. Shostakovich no. 1 and Haydn no. 2. I have family in Portland~ wishing you a great new season.
~Cheers
I just received my season tickets for next season (15 concerts). I am already anxious for it to begin. I’m especially looking forward to the Bartok piano concerto in December and Britten’s violin concerto at the end of the season. I am curious, however, about how you feel the reduced rehearsals will affect the orchestra with regard to unfamiliar work such as these?
Curtis,
Both the Bartok concert with Yefim Bronfman and the Britten concerto with Elina Vahala have the full five rehearsals. Of the 16 classical weekends next year, only 7 have 4 rehearsals, and these are programs where Carlos is comfortable that the musicians and guest artists will have sufficient time to prepare. Artistic considerations are what matters, not whether or not we can save a little money!
Sincerely,
Elaine
Hi Curtis – thanks for being a loyal season ticket subscriber for another season! Whether 4 or 5 rehearsals, the concerts will all be played to the highest standard – we’ve got a very effective shorthand working relationship with Carlos by this point, so we can get through complex pieces rather quickly these days – not to worry!
Thanks, Charles and Elaine, for your responses. I appreciate the reassurance.