Hi everyone,
With only one more final exam remaining, my graduation from The College of Saint Rose is quickly approaching! Having never experienced the traditional high school graduation, I now understand exactly what students are referring to when they say it is a bittersweet occasion. I feel very attached to my school and the many wonderful people I have met; it makes it difficult not to feel rather nostalgic about the transition, especially as I go through the routine of "that was my last French class," or "that was my last concert." I've made many memories there, and in a sense, I really feel as if I have "grown up" at St. Rose. But, I know I will always carry these experiences with me as I move on.
Indeed, looking towards the future, there are some phenomenally exciting things to look forward to this summer, including my first trip to Europe in June. (I can't wait to try out my French during our stay in Paris!) And then, it will be time to MOVE TO IU in August, a completely new stage of my life. I cannot wait to begin these next adventures, and will be sure to keep you posted!
All for now.
~Madalyn
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Concert Experience
Hello Everyone,
I thought I would share with you a very interesting article that I recently found entitled "How to sell classical music to the masses." It came from a news website based in the UK, and the principal topic is a discussion about the modern classical concert experience and the efforts that have been made to attract a larger, younger audience.
I especially like the fact that the article provides a dozen or so commentaries written by people from many different areas of the music industry. There is a great deal of variety when it comes to the topics people choose to address - everything from the ideal time of day for concerts, the lighting in the hall, the choice of programming, ways to lighten the atmosphere, etc. I found one pianist's comment to be a very important thought; "it's all about me communicating with the audience as one of them, not as a lecturer or an academic."
I think it is important for us musicians to remind ourselves that we perform in order to share an experience, Music, with others. The reasons that bring us all, both performers and audience members, to the concert hall should really be the same in the end - a passion for music and its ability to touch us in special ways that can never be fully explained.
I hope you enjoy the article!
All for now.
~Madalyn
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article7048605.ece
I thought I would share with you a very interesting article that I recently found entitled "How to sell classical music to the masses." It came from a news website based in the UK, and the principal topic is a discussion about the modern classical concert experience and the efforts that have been made to attract a larger, younger audience.
I especially like the fact that the article provides a dozen or so commentaries written by people from many different areas of the music industry. There is a great deal of variety when it comes to the topics people choose to address - everything from the ideal time of day for concerts, the lighting in the hall, the choice of programming, ways to lighten the atmosphere, etc. I found one pianist's comment to be a very important thought; "it's all about me communicating with the audience as one of them, not as a lecturer or an academic."
I think it is important for us musicians to remind ourselves that we perform in order to share an experience, Music, with others. The reasons that bring us all, both performers and audience members, to the concert hall should really be the same in the end - a passion for music and its ability to touch us in special ways that can never be fully explained.
I hope you enjoy the article!
All for now.
~Madalyn
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article7048605.ece
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Albany Symphony Orchestra!
Hello everyone,
Well, despite some of the worst weather we've seen so far this winter, our weekend of performances with the Albany Symphony was completely fantastic! Indeed, thank you so much to everyone who braved the elements to come hear these special concerts. It is always so inspiring to play for such an enthusiastic audience! It was also a true honor and privilege for us to work with David Alan Miller and the ASO.
This series included three concerts in three days, which is an experience very different from preparing for one concert only. Although not always the case, I am more accustomed to preparing for concerts that come and go in a single evening, but this past weekend forced me to look more closely at the idea of "pacing one's self."
Well, despite some of the worst weather we've seen so far this winter, our weekend of performances with the Albany Symphony was completely fantastic! Indeed, thank you so much to everyone who braved the elements to come hear these special concerts. It is always so inspiring to play for such an enthusiastic audience! It was also a true honor and privilege for us to work with David Alan Miller and the ASO.
This series included three concerts in three days, which is an experience very different from preparing for one concert only. Although not always the case, I am more accustomed to preparing for concerts that come and go in a single evening, but this past weekend forced me to look more closely at the idea of "pacing one's self."
How does a musician bring a set of repertoire to its highest level, and then maintain that intensity over the course of days? Many performers with major careers (such as Hilary Hahn) consider it a matter of course to take particular concertos on the road for weeks/months at a time. And there is no doubt about it; the very first performance always has that extra dose of adrenalin which is difficult to duplicate many evenings in a row. However, it is important that we learn how to prepare ourselves for each and every performance, even if it is for the 50th time.
So! Here are a couple of small things I have learned: (1) morning: "maintenance practicing;" play everything slowly to save your energy and focus on specific passages, (2) afternoon: naps are amazing, and (3) right before the concert: a PayDay is great because it gives you extra energy without making you jittery.
And there it is! For those of you who are musicians, I would love to know how you feel about this topic, and for those of you who are not - well, you now have caught a glimpse of a behind-the-scenes Musician Issue!
All for now. Perhaps the next time I write, some snow will have melted.
~Madalyn
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bolcom: Suite for Violin and Cello
Hi Everyone,
Last week, Cicely and I had the great fortune to meet and work with William Bolcom, the renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning, Grammy Award-winning composer and pianist! He composed a fantastic work called "Suite for Violin and Violoncello," which has quickly become one of our favorite duos, and we look forward to performing it soon.
It is such a unique experience to work with the composer himself on his music. For those of you who are musicians, I think we all sometimes wish we could write a list of questions for Beethoven, have his direct answers, and so put all other opinions to rest. Much of the time, omissions and ambiguity on the part of the composer force us to rely upon our own judgement, which not only leads to a diversity of interpretations, but debate as well.
To prepare a piece of contemporary music under the guidance of its creator can therefore be a fantastic opportunity to acquire some degree of authority; when questioned, one merely has to point out, "the composer said so!"
It was an honor to play for Mr. Bolcom and his famous wife and mezzo-soprano, Joan Morris. We left with several CDs and a stack of music to work on; Bolcom violin sonatas and cello sonatas will be making their way to our rep lists shortly!
All for now.
~Madalyn
Last week, Cicely and I had the great fortune to meet and work with William Bolcom, the renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning, Grammy Award-winning composer and pianist! He composed a fantastic work called "Suite for Violin and Violoncello," which has quickly become one of our favorite duos, and we look forward to performing it soon.
It is such a unique experience to work with the composer himself on his music. For those of you who are musicians, I think we all sometimes wish we could write a list of questions for Beethoven, have his direct answers, and so put all other opinions to rest. Much of the time, omissions and ambiguity on the part of the composer force us to rely upon our own judgement, which not only leads to a diversity of interpretations, but debate as well.
To prepare a piece of contemporary music under the guidance of its creator can therefore be a fantastic opportunity to acquire some degree of authority; when questioned, one merely has to point out, "the composer said so!"
It was an honor to play for Mr. Bolcom and his famous wife and mezzo-soprano, Joan Morris. We left with several CDs and a stack of music to work on; Bolcom violin sonatas and cello sonatas will be making their way to our rep lists shortly!
All for now.
~Madalyn
Saturday, December 26, 2009
School: Au Revoir!
Hi Everyone!
As some of you may know, my last blog was officially a flop since I never got past my first and only post. However, exactly a year later, I am very happy to report that I will now be able to keep in touch much more frequently, as there have been some exciting changes in my schedule.
Like last year around this time, I am enjoying my winter break from school, although the powers that be have reduced it by a week this year. Nevertheless, I am especially excited this time because my undergraduate studies have very nearly come to a close. Next semester will be my final one, and a simple one at that, compared to the 21-credit load I was carrying this fall. The demands to complete a major in music as well as a minor in French in three years has certainly posed some challenges, and as much as I enjoy academics, I look forward to graduation. I have waited a long time to be free from the distractions of coursework so that I can concentrate solely on music and performing. I can't wait!
So, also like last time, I would like to encourage you to please send me any questions and comments you might have - I really enjoy hearing from people!
All for now.
~Madalyn
As some of you may know, my last blog was officially a flop since I never got past my first and only post. However, exactly a year later, I am very happy to report that I will now be able to keep in touch much more frequently, as there have been some exciting changes in my schedule.
Like last year around this time, I am enjoying my winter break from school, although the powers that be have reduced it by a week this year. Nevertheless, I am especially excited this time because my undergraduate studies have very nearly come to a close. Next semester will be my final one, and a simple one at that, compared to the 21-credit load I was carrying this fall. The demands to complete a major in music as well as a minor in French in three years has certainly posed some challenges, and as much as I enjoy academics, I look forward to graduation. I have waited a long time to be free from the distractions of coursework so that I can concentrate solely on music and performing. I can't wait!
So, also like last time, I would like to encourage you to please send me any questions and comments you might have - I really enjoy hearing from people!
All for now.
~Madalyn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)