A week of Performances

Three performances this week - so far.  So how did they go? 

I have had a very intensive three weeks working up the sets but I have learnt a lot from the experience - as always.  There is a lot of pressure to get through the music and to ensure we get the dynamics right.  It takes  lot of practice and preparation but its so enjoyable and worth it.  There is a great feeling of teamwork as it all comes together.  Its not easy to perform to high standard and each performance brings some new challenges. 

First, I played in the strings group performing one of Telemann's Concerto (unnamed).  I love the fourth movement of this.  Its sad when the performance is over to think we are unlikely to perform it again soon.  We played without a conductor, guided by Tess our lead violinist.  It was a challenge, but the beginnings were good. 

Next, I performed in the choir.  We have been working hard on three pieces.  We started with Gloria in Excelsis.  Its starts with a forte section which is quite hard without a rehearsal beforehand.  But it went well.  My daughter was in the audience and got a fright from the volume - so we must have been at the right level!  The other two pieces are gentler, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, music by Joyce Eilers,  and Prairie Waters by Night by John Leavitt.  They all went well.  

Finally I performed in folk band.  The tunes were wo strathspeys Morag Haig Thomas, and Weights and measures followed by Myra's jig. The second set was a beautiful song Highland Mary.  Beautiful arrangement. The final set was three polkas - Britches full of Stitches, Jessica's Polka and Trip to Dingle.  I blogged about these previously.  Tricky and fast - some quick third position work but it went well.  Audience seemed to enjoy it.
 
Here are a few sound files below.  If you are interested in hearing more visit My Music page.  Finished up the day with a theory exam - ugh.  I then went out to see the wonderful singer songwriter Karine Polwart which I blogged about yesterday. 

I am doing another performance tonight, Scots Music Group tutors concert which is part of Ceilidh Culture.  

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Telemann's Concerto IV - Minuetto


Prairie Waters by Night

Britches full of Stitches, Jessica's Polka, Trip to Dingle