So, I just finished practicing Shosti 5 excerpt for the audition in April. This excerpt is so dangerous for me because I always think it's really easy at first. But then, I record myself, and this is what I get: Those who have ears, listen.
For it only being my second practice session on since I started out, I don't think it's too bad. But this video reminds me why this is so difficult. Here's why. The big reason is intonation. Shostakovich, he writes hard notes. That's all I'm going to say about it, haha. Second is a steady rhythm. For those that have played this symphony will know what I mean when I say we gotta keep that steady cello/bass pulse throughout this section. It's so easy to rush and slow down without even realizing it. Thirdly, this whole excerpt is piano espressivo. So it's really quiet, and yet really expressive. How in the heck am I supposed to do that?!? And the final thing: both off the top of my head and that we have time for is cleanliness. Those shifts and bow changes have to be smooth as, well, the smoothest thing in the world. The listener who is adjudicating behind the screen should not be able to tell just by listening where every shift and bow change and string crossing is. All I have to say is, thank God for recording to devices that continue to humble me everyday : )
Final Thought:
"Not all treasure is silver and gold mate."
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