Here is the next track in the Virtual Master Class Project. This is a recording of the first movement from the Bottesini Concerto No. 2. Leave criticism, advice, practice tips, and the like by clicking on the ‘comments’ link below the player.
Sometimes these players take 10-20 seconds to load, so give it a little time to play if it doesn’t start right away. Read more about this project here, or click here to listen to all the tracks. There aren’t many now, but you can help with that by submitting tracks or telling students & friends about this opportunity.
E-mail me submissions here (jsh177@yahoo.com)
Bottesini Concerto No. 2 mvt 1
Candidate 5
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This is a fine performance and most of my comments revolve around issues of nuance in the Bottesini Concerto, especially in the most melodic sections. Since Bottesini is composing in the ‘bel canto’ vocal style, there are some swells on the opening of notes that stick out as being very non-vocal, so be careful. Also, when practicing these sections be very careful to literally sing the passages in order to find where a capable singer would naturally need to breathe. The voice is the model – the bass is the instrument to achieve that artistic slant.
The other item, and not to be in any way negative or nit-picky, is that often, rhythmically, there is some moments of rubato (in the opening phrases) that seem disconnected from the piano rhythmically. Remember, rubato is literally the ‘giving and taking of time.’ You have to also be aware of who you are taking it from.
Overall, a strong performance, with generally good intonation throughout. Good job.