I’ve now gotten to the halfway mark in the Prelude (end of the first page in my Barenreiter edition). It feels insane that I’ve made it this far. I still get a minor panic attack when I sit down to practice just looking it – holy crap! I can’t play this! You’re kidding right?
Once I spend ten seconds talking myself down, and look at the actual music rather than just a page too dense with black marks, I’m okay again. Full disclosure here I’m working my way through in four notes to a bow, or even separate bows, just to get the thing under my fingers.
I’m at that nasty little bit before the pause on the D – bars 20 and 21. Starting on that low C# and nipping up in an ungainly set of leaps. The fingering isn’t even that hard, but it reminds me of trying to say one of those tongue twisters. She sells seashells by the seashore, that kind of thing. It involves the same kind of one-eye-closed concentration for me.
Listening to Steven Isserlis’ recording, I swear it sounds annoying to play. Watch Mischa Maisky do it at about 1:00. Even he looks like he’s saying ‘urrrrgh’ in his head through that bit.
Nick Moodie
2 August 2010 at 5:39 pm
take time to let your fingers move. If you build time in it doesn’t upset the pulse: 1-2, 1-3-4 etc
I hope all is going well, Send my best to Chris too!
Erin
3 August 2010 at 9:18 am
Yes, I know I move before my fingers are ready so thats a good point.
Were doing well – trying to get in a bit of practicing with an impatient baby wandering around is a challenge. Hope the singing is still going strong.
Guy Aron
4 August 2010 at 5:08 am
I’m going to sound like a broken record here but bow only practice is (often) really good for any bit you’re really struggling with. Get those bow changes just on open strings really confident and smooth. Then put the left hand in. And don’t grip the bow too hard; if you’re getting a dent in your right thumb, ease off it.
I do sympathise, though; that “I’ll never get this *&^%ing piece” feeling is never far from the surface when learning Bach. Followed for me by fantasies of violent instrument destruction. I’m currently doing the Minuet from the second suite & it is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Why do we persist? Let me know when you get a good answer!
Sherri
6 August 2010 at 11:11 am
I just found your blog and have really enjoyed reading your posts. I’m deciding to learn the cello at 36 years old while caring for my 4 month old twins. Call me crazy, but I guess learning the cello is a desire that’s floated to the surface at a time when I need as you mentioned, “something just for me.”
Erin
6 August 2010 at 1:50 pm
Welcome Sherri! Wow, twins. Thats a handful for sure. Nah, youre not crazy, theres lots of us who decided to go for it. Okay, maybe were all crazy!