Thu 0:42 (1441-1523)

Warmed up with open strings G C G D A DG then slurps across D and G. Really sitting right down there on the bridge, experimenting with bow speed on the different strings. Explored the sequence bow level change then bow change motion when going to a higher string on up bow. 10 min

Then it was logical to start with the little string crossing section in the Vivaldi (Spring) 1st mvmt. Worked from double stops in correct pulse. Seemed to work "OK" with just a little elbow drop after the pulse. Would be worth discussing this bowing at a lesson.

Next, fingering for soli section in the 3d mvmt. Loving how my bow weight from open strings is still carrying over.

Ran through the Handel, which we will be performing at a little recital tonight. Just took it under tempo, polishing a few shifts, and staying loose.

15 min or so on Apres un Reve, playing it with exaggerated passion and phrasing, big vibrato while, yes, focusing on keeping the right arm relaxed and weighted. Fun.

Back for just a few more minutes of Handel, and that's all for today. Warmup for recital at 6, recital at 7.

30 min
Day 2. So far so good. I'm thinking I need to aim for 21 days in a row at my 30 min limit before trying to lengthen it.

Today I set the timer for a 30 minute countdown and started at the end of Breval C. Working backward phrase-by-phrase, and playing several reps through to the end with each new phrase, I had just arrived at the midpoint double bar when time was up. This should make the end much more secure. I found that as I approached the end of the time I was able to focus more on the moment to moment kinesthetics and less on the auditory memory of where I should be going next. That is very good.

Tomorrow I will review the second half from the midpoint, then do a backward phrase-by-phrase through the first half.

Topic for next lesson: review all the trills.

10 min
Tarantella
Mostly a refresher, with some time spent on the presto. I don't feel like I'm making any progress. Yes, partially because I've been avoiding practicing it, but also partially because I have no idea what to practice to make it better at this point. Just running through it isn't changing anything.

Questions for lesson.
One benefit of this practice blog format? It's easy to look back through the week's work and organize a list of questions to cover at today's lesson. I considered keeping an open post and adding to it through the week, but it's just as easy, and probably more beneficial, to review my week's work just before my lesson.

Two ways to review: list by week from the archives, or click through by pieces using the tags. I'm using the latter method, with a "New Post" box in one window and a second copy of the blog in another.

Feuillard
small hand circles on fast detache?
focus for next week?

Bach Air from Orch Suite #3
optimum fingerings - have I chosen well?

Popper Op 76 I No 7
ways to practice awkward string crossings in m19-22

Squire
Tempos (choices)
Bow distribution in m40-47 and similar spots
Best way to practice to bring the entire piece reliably up to tempo
Any other ideas for that desc. scale from Bb

Haydn C
Suzuki prep exercises-what to focus on?
Fingering m37 vs m38

Beethoven Symph #5 excerpts
fingering?