Concert Countdown
No peeps from Dynamic Arts recently….I am concentrating on the final preparations for my violin recital this Saturday, July 17. Location: Browsing Room of the University of Oregon Knight Library, 4:00 p.m!
The theme of my concert, Songs and Dances for the Violin, stems from my interest in the crossover of classical with folk music. Classical composers in Europe explored traditional music and used folk melodies (Bartok, Dvorak, Brahms), and folk musicians began to do the same thing. Because of this connection, I decided to focus my program on just dance music – something that all cultures have in common.
Back in May, my first post about this recital: Programming Pandemonium, noted the benefit of having a theme in concert programming. I have found that the dance theme has been very successful in hooking audience interest. If I have the opportunity to do another solo recital, and while working in the arts, I will steer towards themed programs.
The poster design, a JPG found here, focuses on the violin and dance music as the main selling point. The picture of the violin is one that I took and phtoshoped a few elements to fit in the poster.
Next: Program Notes. I took my researching skills from grad school and began investigating my composers. The most challenging task was determining the extent to which each composer retained the true folk music elements. Differences between composers illustrate the gradual acceptance of folk music as a valid art form in society.
While it can be frustrating to be in research mode rather than practicing, knowing background on the composer and the impetus for a piece of music is critical for a truly informed performance. My musicianship is enhanced and I have more fun playing music that I understand! With more experience, historic knowledge of the music becomes second-nature and that is what I am striving for.
Whats left?
After confirming logistics: dress rehearsal in the performance space or not? reception? The rest is spot-checking in my pieces and a run-through with my accompanist. The best part of this process is putting the whole thing together: its all about the music, man!
In the days directly leading to the recital, I will be calming my brain and mentally rehearsing through the music. The skill of managing adrenaline to stave off shaky bows, sweaty palms, and incoherent speech must be practiced as well as knowing the music perfectly! This article at violinist.com is a discussion about the difference in anxiety between public speaking and violin performing. Another one here, gives similar advice regarding preparation, visualization and breath control.
These tips and tricks will be helpful, along with my mantra: the concert is going to be fun as an exhibition of my work over the last 9 months. Primarily, I enjoy sharing music with people and love that this recital is bringing family and friends together. The perfect marriage of arts administration and violin performance!
Break a leg!
Recital Program (PDF)
