Recording 1 - Condensed session

I finally got round to recording most of the pieces I have learnt up till now, just the main ones that I can think of at the top of my head. Mainly the most recent study by Sebastian Lee, the first 2 movements of the Marcello Sonata, Popper #5, all the movements of the Couperin Concert and Solveig's Song by Grieg. I will not make any excuses for them apart from my apologies if they sound, "depressing".

These were all recorded in one sitting earlier today in a span of about half an hour. Also, if you can't see the play button, let the page load for a while.

Thus far, I have learnt much about my technique and approach from doing this so much so, I am literally kicking myself for not having done this from the beginning. Hopefully one can come back to this and see that one's improved!


Lee Study #1 from 12 Melodic Studies, Op.113 - https://copy.com/gM4oEYzTDYXu
You may download the score from here (Study #1 - Andante).

My bow hand needs serious attending to, particularly on clean string crosses and achieving a good, solid and bold tone. Currently, the notes seem flighty and uncertain.


Marcello Sonata (Mov. I/II) - https://copy.com/i6MG8xlylebr
You may download the score from here (Adagio and Allegro).

This needs a tonne more practise before I even attempt dynamics. I was playing this from memory as the room was a mess and I couldn't find the score but it's obvious that I'm still uncertain of the notes, fingerings and bowings and this, embrassingly enough, shows through especially in the second movement. Bah.


Popper #5 from 15 Cello Etudes, Op.76a - https://copy.com/FH3mCahWcspl
You may download the score from here (Etude #5 - Lebhaft / Allegro vivace).

I haven't played this piece in a while so it was nice to come back to it and listen to it played again from memory. The ideal tempo should be a lot faster but at the moment, I think it's better if I practised it until my intonation is at least closest to what it should be before attempting anything else. Apart from that, the most obvious thing missing from this play through is definitely dynamics - something I have yet to really sit down and attempt.


Couperin Concert - https://copy.com/1GqUkhdMaTVh

I'm afraid I can't find this piece on the IMSLP which means it's probably still within copyrights and not public domain. This was probably the first major piece that I was given to play which consisted of several movements; it introduced me to the Baroque cello approach and prompts me to achieve that beautiful and authentic sound in my own playing. Again, this was played mostly by memory but still not an excuse. I remember clearly playing this as a duo with Deryn which remains a fond memory from the early cello lessons.

Playing this again after many months prove to be a lot easier than before, my bow arm no longer tense up and even my left hand technique seems more comfortable when reaching for the notes. Apart from minor intonation issues, dynamics and tempo adjustments, I am somewhat pleased with this play through.


Grieg Solveig's Song - https://copy.com/eDgLqXSMUtHR
You may download the score here (Ignore the first whole line; ie. bars 1-8).

By the time I played this, I was more or less exhausted, exasperated and suffering from much ennui hence the annoyed retakes and impatience peppered generously throughout the "performance". This is still the most challenging piece for me to play mostly due to the immense amount of space for interpretation and expression. I know I am nowhere near the level of maturity on the cello to pull this off and so feel rather inadequate when playing this particular piece; as if I have yet to deserve the honour of playing it at all!


I will attempt another recording at the end of August. Thanks very much for listening if you've managed to stick to the very end at any point!


Update: Just realised that today marks exactly 1 year and 1 month since I began my cello learning experience with Deryn :}