No. 23, Andante sostenuto, is a melancholy work that draws its character from the beautiful sonorities of the viola. This is a great piece to explore your rich sound in many different forms. Because it repeats so many times, there are small opportunities to improvise with ornaments, change dynamics, or play certain notes on different strings. All of these variables can help you to change the character as you wish.
When I record, I savor the slow caprices. I am a particularly nervous and sensitive performer - which explains why I had such a hard time with orchestra auditions. These soulful, calm caprices do wonders to soothe my nerves. I try to always have one in every recording session - the boost I get from singing on my viola helps me with the pyrotechnics of the other caprices.
Number 26 is to be played solely on the G-string (no pun intended!). I appreciate the narrow focus: it combines a very specific technique (G string tone and shifting) with a great melody. And there is even a little room to ornament. If you work on this, please send your own thoughts on the piece!
Number 26 is to be played solely on the G-string (no pun intended!). I appreciate the narrow focus: it combines a very specific technique (G string tone and shifting) with a great melody. And there is even a little room to ornament. If you work on this, please send your own thoughts on the piece!