This week we’re rehearsing a piece that has two of the most difficult technical passages that I’ve run across thus far in my playing career. Unsurprisingly, it’s a symphony (No. 6) by Carl Nielsen. The last time I gnashed my teeth and rent my garments this much was for Nielsen’s Symphony No. 5. That one might still take the cake for most difficult (the passagework is much longer) work I’ve ever had to perform (in orchestra, at least). Here are the two places that are tying my fingers in knots – enjoy!
The first two pages are from the last movement – the tempo is dotted-quarter = about 90 – 100 beats per minute.
The last two pages are form the first movement – the tempo is quarter = 120 beats per minute or so.
9 replies on “some days are harder than others”
Oh yeah – I’ve played this. With the Seattle Symphony, as a sub. There were lots of regular violists out that week….hmm…
Yes, in our orchestra, it seems to be the violinists that are dropping like flies this week!
Looks like a major bow arm pain!
better shred than dead.
And remember this is Oregon so it’s a well caffeinated 120 bpm. You all are rockin’ it.
Thanks, Aaron – just be glad you aren’t in our midst for those passages!
sounds like badbeard better crank up a few extra IVs.
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Charles, I heard the Nielsen 6 last night in Salem. I am still in awe of how WELL you played that magnificent work , a dream come true for one who has sought out live performances of his music most of his life! There was nothing tentative or “dress rehearsal” in your playing which I feared could be the case with such a “new” and difficult work coming to us the Night Before your series of Portland performances. Though at the end I gave a hearty” Bravo” when the whole woodwind section was recognized( nice move, Carlos!), it was your entire ensemble (and Maestro Kalmar!) that earned my acclaim from the balcony! Two points….from where I sat upstairs, the glockenspiel needed to be louder and the first trombone needed to bring out his glisses more strongly(think “belly laughs” not “yawns”!). There is nothing “weird” about the Nielsen 6th Symphony, it is an irresistable Force of Nature by a master of the form. Thank you all!