Thanks for a great rehearsal on Monday, especially for your diligence and patience to record all those Carmina movements, and to run the Bernstein at the very end of the rehearsal. I’ve passed the videos on to Leslie and Shelley and am awaiting feedback. More later this week as we look ahead to Monday.

As I’m looking ahead to July, I’m investigating some of the new, more modern arrangements of 1812 (especially those with full scores). We don’t own our own set, and it will be impossible to borrow a copy for July 4.

In so doing, I came across this YouTube of a band from Japan performing 1812. It’s worth a viewing. Enjoy the clarinet “choreography,” and the Kalinnikov-style antiphonal brass at the end. It’s a particularly clean and inspiring performance.

Monday’s rehearsal will focus again on Carmina Burana, all movements. We’ve made the decision to keep me on stage, and use Leslie Mac Pherson as a relay conductor out in the the house, probably under the light, which is conveniently located center orchestra under the balcony. On Monday, I need to video record me conducting each movement so she has an idea of what to expect to follow.

We will not have the soloists tomorrow night, so I will have to ask for parts to be played for the recording only.

The rehearsal will conclude with a short punch list of items from Bernstein and Ticheli, including whirlies and wine glasses.

Next Monday’s rehearsal on May 5 will be in Scarsdale, as TMH is not available. We’ll have directions and parking info ready for you on Monday.

If you haven’t seen this, check out this YouTube video of the misheard lyrics from O Fortuna. It will give you a good giggle.

Marc Tartell shared this YouTube video – it’s a candid interview with Leonard Bernstein about the origins of the melody of the Profanation movement of his Symphony No. 1, Jeremiah. He also talks about the impact of this Symphony on his rocky relationship with his own father, and the reconciliation which ensued. Fascinating! Thank you, Marc!

Please do not park in the back lot starting this Monday

As of Monday, April 21, TMH has asked that we please do not park in their back lot. They are having construction, and the construction offices have taken up a significant amount of room in the back lot during construction. Music Hall staff vehicles and construction vehicles will need the remaining spaces in the parking lot.

Two amps needed this Monday – volunteers?

Because of the need for two pianos for Carmina, plus Organ and Celeste, we cannot use acoustic piano on this concert and must use keyboards. We need to ask for volunteers to bring two amps to rehearsal. The last time we asked I had more than enough volunteers. Who can offer to bring an amp (and a patch cord) on Monday? Please email me. We need two keyboard amps for April 21, May 5, 12, 14, and 17.

Rehearsal Plan for the duration of the cycle

On Monday we are reviewing Bach, spending a full hour on Bernstein with Shelley, and integrating the keyboards into the Ticheli for the first time. Please come ready to work a full rehearsal on these pieces.

I’ve created a rehearsal plan for the remaining weeks of the cycle leading up to May 17. Check the Rehearsal This Week page to see the entire plan.

Our newest “commercial!”

Due to the beauty of Google, I was drawn to the ad for Animoto. 30 minutes later, I had created this ad. Please share liberally through Facebook, Twitter, and email!

See you Monday!