We live and learn in the book of our fellow-men. - Ellis Peters
Daily Practice
2005, April 17
New Microphone
Practice for the computer
In the spirit of Elizabeth Perry's daily sketches, I set up a microphone to my computer so I can record some of my practicing. Unlike Elizabeth, I will not post the files to the web because there is nothing worse than listening to a beginner practice the violin, especially when self-conscious about a new microphone. But I will be able to hear my progress as time goes on, and not just have to take the teacher's word for it.
Perhaps when the sound is tolerable I will post a little file.
So I am not following Elizabeth's precept of "not to criticize". But I am going to practice daily. I really am.
2005, April 10
Violin lesson one
"A full lovely forte", that of which dreams are made.
This year I once again started music lessons. I've done this before and given up.
This time, starting out again, I have had the good fortune to find a teacher who combines physical therapy, violin technique and musicianship. Emily Onderdonk, violist, violinist and teacher, with keyboard skills to accompany her students, looks at the music not note by note as I have experienced before, but from the standpoint of the character of the whole piece.
This has changed the focus of awareness from the left hand and all those fingering problems to the right hand, the bow and its travels over the strings. Strangely, this has made the experience of the music and the violin completely different.
I am so thankful to have found such a wonderful teacher at this time of my life.
2005, March 31
David Lloyd Rivinus, luthier
More pictures, information at Rivinus instruments.
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Salvidore Dali? Radically distorted? I don't think so. I would love to see one, in the flesh and try it out. After much hand pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, a student longs for a more humane instrument. Here is a designer concerned with the human side of the equation. Fingers, arms, shoulders, neck, are all considered.
I especially appreciate his drawings and the discussion of design on his website. And, he is interested in materials that spare endangered species and decrease the weight of the instruments (also sparing the player).
From David Rivinus by email March 7, 2005
The name David Lloyd is from his mother's Welsh side of the family.
His father's side was German, with the name Bachmann (man of the stream) which was latinized to Rivinus, a common practice in academic circles.
Quote:
"If you have a listing of Bach works, look up his cantata BWV 36b "Die Freude Reget Sich" and then look at the dedication. You'll get quite a surprise! My family was prominent in Leipzig in the 18th century. Several of my ancestors were professors and administrators at the university and had close ties to the Bach family. One of them was even the Trustee of Bach's will. Another was the godfather of Johann Christian Bach. And a third was Johann Birnbaum who publicly defended Bach from the attacks being leveled at him in the Leipzig press. As a musician and instrument maker, this has been a lot of fun for me!"
BWV 36b Die Freude reget sich
Congratulatory Cantata for the Leipzig scholar Johann Florens Rivinus (probably for his inauguration as Rector of the University).
