Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Today I learned - well, I've been learning this for two weeks now, but today was another reminder - that I really don't like singing Bach. Or the St. John Passion, at any rate. I love playing Bach, but singing him seems to be a whole 'nother matter. It's the reverse of Mozart, who is great to sing but lousy to play. It's interesting that although alto and cello lines often share many characteristics, I can have such strong opinions on whose work I'd rather sing vs play - the same line has totally different fun-ness properties depending how it is produced.

Sometimes, however, the finger can really be pointed at the composer. Yes, I'm looking at you, Ralph Vaughan-Williams. Fantasia on Tallis AND God Bless The Master? Really? Really?

Thankfully, today I also learned to preserve the quality of my day through a Bach rehearsal by tying up my good mood in one of Jim Marvin's Santa Claus bags and throwing it into the balcony for safe keeping till 6:30.
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2 comments:

  1. JackieFebruary 10, 2010 at 5:23 AM

    Hey, I'm singing Bach's St Matthew Passion. I can't remember what, if any, Bach I've sung before, but I think I feel similarly. I'm feeling a little disappointed in this choral work, given how enthusiastic I usually am about Bach. But maybe it also has to do with the fact that it's an Easter concert taking place on Passover and all about how the Jews killed Christ. I should use the Santa Claus bag trick myself.

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  2. LizzieFebruary 10, 2010 at 9:50 AM

    Yeah I've never sung him before either, I think. Maybe a chorale at some point? Nothing memorable.
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    ast week, Ed Jones paused rehearsal to talk (note: unlike Jim, Ed never ever does this) about how he feels really awkward about the anti-semitism of the text and how obvi the repertoire chosen does not reflect the beliefs of the University Choir or Memorial Church, and etc. At least, this is what I am told - I happened to be in the bathroom at the time, and apparently my entrance just as Ed was finishing his speech about not really hating the Jews was Hollywood-perfect.

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