Lesson 41 - Non-stodgy staccatos, Third position

We had make up class today for the day I missed two weeks ago.

Because of the two consecutive lessons, Deryn thought it suitable that we braved another new position today and continue with more in-depth method learning tomorrow. How exciting :)

Before we began, Deryn tells me the Larsen soft D string arrived earlier. After replacing the medium tension one that I had put one just the week previously, you could definitely hear the difference in resonance when the string was played. I thought it very kind and thoughtful of Deryn to allow me to exchange this string for me so it suits my cello better. I wouldn't have been able to tell at all if it needed a soft or medium string but after the change, I understood why Deryn was so insistent in the decision!

As we stumbled through the second position exercises, mostly due to my forgetfulness of checking if I had my glasses in the bag despite having a total of 3 pairs scattered around the house, my left wrist is still playing silly buggers with me as it keeps collapsing when I'm not paying attention. When I do pay attention to that aspect, my right shoulder naturally finds it the opportune time to rise to the occassion. I believe this might and ongoing habit to unlearn.

Deryn then let me play an old piece from Langin Book 1 which finds itself reappearing in Book 3 but utilising the second position.

The difference in comfort and logic in playing both pieces is huge. Using the second position, you are made more aware of the notes you play and there is none of that odd string crossing thus producing a more elegant approach and pleasant tone throughout the piece.

Next, we briefly scanned across the exercises for the Third Position. Again, Deryn stresses on the importance of targets and anchor points so we know where we are on the fingerboard as well as intonation. For example, the first finger of the third position has an anchor point of the fourth finger on the first position. This means I can always check with the lower open string if I am on the right note.

Deryn gave me a few new studies and exercises from the New School of Cello Studies by Percy Such (Book II) which included studies by Duport, Kummer and Nölck; all new composers that I've not had the pleasure of learning from previously and all of which will flex the second and third positions throughout. I will be looking through them briefly during practise for class tomorrow.

Finally, we went through Popper's No. 5 and despite a shaky performance (I blame my missing glasses), all seems well and Deryn seem pleased with my progress. I must say, things do get better when you have put in the practise. Without noticing, my staccatos are no longer the stodgy puddings it used to be if Deryn hadn't mentioned it during class. We then went through the entire piece to see if we can optimise it further with stretched second positions and a couple of third positions thrown in for good measure. Once again, the Popper piece has transformed into a different piece by doing this!