Caressing the cello, not killing it
Daily Comfort ZoneAfter recent reports of string-breaking in Shostakovich, here’s a welcome antidote in Bloch.
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This is different music that an be caressed – in Shostakovich the occasion arises not so often (and definitely not in the first and third movement of Cello concerto 1)!
I’m afraid I blame Nigel Kennedy in large part as the first string player I heard sawing his instrument in half. People seem to think it’s terribly modern to abuse their instruments, and it’s become a fashion. His recording of Vivaldi Four Seasons sticks in my mind as the ugliest I’ve ever heard!
Thank you for your insults.
A broken string occurs sometimes in concert and sometimes at home. The reasons are unknown. However, it is always a gift to the performer, who is encouraged by circumstances to act the hero. The audience will remember it forever.
Being able to produce a rich resonant forte tone on any string instrument without the misjudge – for that’s what it nearly always is! – of damaging the beautiful instrument is the hallmark of a quality player who knows his music and above all knows his instrument. That the sum total of it. End of story..