by Kenneth Woods | Jun 24, 2010 | A view from the podium
This Satuday evening I’m conducting a program that includes Berlioz’s Corsaire Overture, the Saint-Saens 3rd Violin Concerto and the Franck Symphony in D minor. It’s almost ten years to the day since I last conducted the Franck (that time around it was paired with the...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 22, 2010 | A view from the podium, News and Reviews
Colin Anderson writing in today’s Classical Source- ….There is something deceptive about Hans Gál’s music, the work of the long-lived (1890-1987), from Vienna to Edinburgh composer, whose output has been so well served by Avie. Gál’s other violin concerto,...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 22, 2010 | A view from the podium
“Ken, we’ve had a few personnel issues while you were away and were down several string players. We’ve filled most of the places, but there are two violinists who can only come Saturday to the dress rehearsal, but they are very good.” “That’s fine” ”Also, I should...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium, Lists
Concluding thoughts- Being a concertmaster is an extremely high-stress job, in which you have to work to a very high standard, while often sublimating some of your own instincts and ego as a musician. You may well miss opportunities to work with less pressure or to...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium
Where it gets complicated- Remember how we discussed the difference between preparing a recital and an orchestra work? The key difference is that in one case you are aiming for a coherent artistic vision (yours!), and in the other one you are preparing to be able to...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium
In Part II, we look at the space in which musicianship and leadership skills come together in the job of the concertmaster. Musical Leadership- This is the most complex and important part of your job, in which you have to combine your skills as an artist and a leader,...
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