Transcript Slide 1
A Cello Anthology Alina R. Castro-Swonger Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Parillo, Department of Music The Cello • Earliest known cello made around 1560 by Andrea Amati • Cello was used only for accompaniment throughout 17th century • Used as solo instrument starting in the 18th century. Famous King Cello by Amati My cello experience… • I started cello at 7 years of age. • I’ve been playing for over 15 years. • Throughout my life, music has been incredibly important and influential. • Outlet for self-expression and reflection My cello experience… • Realizing the power of music on a personal level inspired me to learn about the history, culture, social setting, and life of the composers • Classical music, even without lyrics, can express the deepest emotions, share complex ideas, and create revolutionary change • Through this project, I intend to portray a deeper sense of the music, not only through the beauty of the sound, but also the cultural context of the pieces. • J.S. Bach: Cello Suite I • Antonín Dvořák : Concerto in B minor • Sir Edward Elgar: Concerto in E minor Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) • German composer • Greatest genius of baroque music • A devout Lutheran Cello Suite I • Among the most popular pieces ever written for the cello • A tangible glimpse into the time period in which he wrote – continual motion and use of counterpoint – a pre-established sequence of dances Cello Suite I • Prelude • Minuet I and II • Gigue Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) • Czech composer and one of the founders of Czech national school of music • Found inspiration in Bohemian folk tunes, Gypsy rhythms, and African-American spirituals The Concerto in B minor • Written during 1894-1895 • Dvořák was Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City from 18921895 • Dvořák had become disenchanted and increasingly homesick. • Although written in the United States, the cello concerto emphasizes Czech themes and melodies The Concerto in B minor • Dvořák’s sister-inlaw Josefina • Dvořák’s feeling for his sister-in-law is astoundingly apparent in the cello concerto • The Adagio ma non troppo contains her favorite melody “Leave Me Alone.” Dvorak’s wife, Anna Cermakova Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) • British composer of the romantic era • Largely self-taught in composition • Composing in years surrounding World War One The Concerto in E minor Beatrice Harrison with cello, accompanied by Elgar at the piano • Begins unusually for a concerto • Highlights best qualities of the cello • A lament of the tragedy of war • A plea to feel and distain such atrocities Project Activities Preparing pieces Learning a piece requires many hours of practice Practice follows a natural sequence learning the notes refining the rhythm, bowing, and dynamics adding expressiveness appropriate to the period Project Activities Live performances Linking up with other musicians Maintaining poise Getting a feel for the acoustics of the performance venue Stable Sound Portsmouth, RI • General recording devices were set up in the studio • A microphone was placed in front of my cello • Device placed beneath my cello’s endpin to pick up resonance. Stable Sound Portsmouth, RI • Steve Rizzo: talented recording engineer • Knowledgeable musician The Result: A Cello Anthology Alina R. Castro-Swonger, Cello Cello Suite I:* Track 1: Prelude Track 2: Minuet I and II Track 3: Gigue Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Concerto in B minor:** Track 4: Adagio ma non troppo (mvt. 2) Concerto in E minor:*** Track 5: Adagio (mvt. 1) Bonus Track: Duet for Two Cellos:**** *Recorded by Steve Rizzo at Stable Sound in Portsmouth, RI. **William Grueb, piano ***Eric Mazonson, piano ****Piera Caruso, cello Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)