October 30, 2009 Cello Lesson

Cello Lesson October 30, 2009

Lesson went better than the last couple have.

Schroeder #32: Did OK, especially after I slowed the tempo down (second time through) and was able to play the difficult couple of measures.

For next lesson, work on #33

Play UH of bow

Watch dynamics

Don't play any faster than I can handle the most difficult passages.

Breval, Sonata in C Major

This was the first play through for BH. Did OK. Some sections weren't as good as at home, but overall, was fine.

Tempo was OK, though somewhat unsteady on the second page of the first movement.

Throughout, USE MORE BOW!!!!!

Three chords at the beginning: Take thumb off the back of cello to get a better vibrato, especially in the first and third chord. More bow is needed in the chords. Make sure the bottom notes can be heard in the third chord.

In many of the moving passages throughout the piece, PLAY INTO THE STRING, I.E., KEEP THE BOW ON THE STRING.

Overall, when leading into a chord, don't take the bow off the string. (This works!)

Overall, be generous with the bow; when changing bow direction, release and relax the sound.

Overall, when playing on the C string, make sure playing on tips of fingers.

Overall, don't saw the triplets.

Measure #7: Vibrate half notes and greater

Measure #13: Bow can travel through the air

Measure #29: No flat fingers!

Measure # 39: Don't lift fingers.

Measures # 58 and 59: Keep the bow in the air.

Measure # 73: Don't rush.

Measure #102: The trill. The beg. C is part of the trill. Must play the C with 1st finger; extension (x4) up to the E to begin the trill (baroque trill starts with the note above target note).

Measure #last: There is no space between last two chords.

Exercise to help with playing on the C String:

Play in the middle of the bow.

Play a C scale but alternate with open G.

Start upbow.

Next Lesson is Friday, November 13 at 11:30.