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Written by Andrew Sords
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Aug 02, 2009 at 12:15 PM |
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After checking my reflection in the bright lights of the dressing room mirror, I retune. I didn't particularly need to, but I figured I should check the strings before going onstage for 40 minutes. A-D, D-G, A-E. Yup, all good. I start the first movement of the Tchaikovsky, jump to the sixths in the cadenza, begin the third movement, and run through the final scale at half tempo. I felt good, the instrument sounded good, and I was looking forward to launching into Mr. Tchaikovsky's Opus 35 again. A knock at the door: "Five minutes...five minutes. Overture's almost through." I follow the portly man to the stage door, and smooth out my sweaty palms on the ebony Klein dress pants. The familiar feeling of adrenaline started to pulse through me, and I plucked the strings absent-mindedly, hoping the finger slip I had with the concerto in California wouldn't return tonight. How many times had I played the Tchaikovsky now? A lot - I had no reason to be nervous...yet, those demons occasionally come back. A board member approaches me, and gives a little smile. "We are so excited for tonight! Isn't the orchestra fun?" "Yes," I respond politely, "I can't wait to be onstage with them again." "Well, we can't wait, either," she enthuses. "Everyone here LOVES the Sibelius concerto."
Excuse me? Sibelius? With the tenths and fingered octaves and rapid passagework and I have approximately 3 minutes until I go onstage? The Sibelius, after I've been working up the Tchaikovsky for the last two weeks? I would be digging my own grave onstage in front of a thousand people...
That was my nightmare a couple of evenings ago. It was so vivid, I could feel the backstage adrenaline, sweaty palms, and fear. I woke up in a cold sweat. About once or twice a year, I have these nightmares where I'm about to walk onstage and it's a different concerto than the one I'm expecting. I mean, it could be worse...I could ACTUALLY walk onstage (a la David Oistrakh's famous story), stand there convinced I have three minutes of the Beethoven introduction before my entrance, and realize that the orchestra began the Mendelssohn and I have six beats to be ready. Sigh. I've heard many artists have various forms of paranoia - this is mine.
Anyways, summer 2009 is almost over, and I haven't blogged once! This has been the first summer since I was 12 that I haven't attended or performed at a festival. It was quite a nice break, and after the past year, I certainly needed to recharge. I spent a couple of weeks in Canada vegging out, listened to some area students, and this month, I fly to Delaware and California to visit family and friends. Then, the madness begins in September. I'm playing the Mendelssohn concerto again for the first time in what feels like decades; returning to works of Beethoven, Grieg, and Franck for recitals; rehashing the Beethoven, Bruch, Mozart 5, and Tchaikovsky concerti; and going to a foreign genre for me - the baroque concerti of Vivaldi and Bach. I'm looking forward to it. I may not have the same sentiments come November, but for now, I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine!
Though it has felt like spring in Cleveland since April, today is shaping up to be a pleasant day outside. I'm thinking the dog park is a must, as well as Starbucks and outdoor reading. This summer, I've read my standard Follett and Patterson novels, knocked away another Shakespeare, and thoroughly endorse Barbara Walters' autobiography. Today, I'll probably relax with a People or GQ magazine...I'm in the mood for some shallow reading!
I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer, and looking forward to seeing you at the fall concerts!
Yours from the Midwest (today),
Andrew |
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Greetings from Lerner Tower |
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Written by Andrew Sords
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Apr 24, 2009 at 11:59 AM |
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Hello from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio on a balmy April day. No, I'm not the one laying in a hospital bed--I am visiting a good family friend who just had double bypass surgery. Actually, this generous woman has hosted a number of private recitals at her residence. I bring Chinese food and laughter to the unit, and it serves as a good practice break. The last four weeks have been insane. I had a rough bout with food poisoning the day of a recital, flew to the South for a concerto performance, had two subsequent weeks with multiple performances, and am feeling sorry for myself now with incoming allergies. Ah, well. Plus, I misplaced my sheet music to the Beethoven concerto cadenzas - yikes! Next month, I have Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, and then I'm finally done for the season! What a season it's been, too - twelve months ago, I was in the Cayman Islands, and since then, I've performed Brahms, Bruch, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, numerous chamber performances, several recitals, changed residences, served as concertmaster for several weeks...I'm looking forward to a summer of relaxation and vacationing. I will be in northern Ontario for four weeks, and the respite will be well worth it. The next Cleveland concert is the Beethoven Concerto with the Suburban Symphony on May 17th. This concert will be special for me - not only because it's a "hometown" concert, but because I will have family, friends, former teachers, and colleagues there. After many concerts where you don't recognize anyone in the audience, I can't help but grin when I walk out and see friends and family. Martin Kessler (conductor) has been a standard name in the area, and I look forward to collaborating with him! ***pause*** I was just discussing next year's schedule with a family friend here in the unit who just remarked...."So you were in Idaho this year? Isn't that, like, just east of the Dakotas???" I never fail to be entertained here. Holy moly. I hope everyone is having a wonderful spring! I'm loving this warm weather...the oppressive six months of winter in the Midwest finally seems to be giving way to outdoor pool and sunning temperatures. Finally! Lots of errands to run...I need to get the fiddle repolished, purchase new strings, rehair the bow...the whole kit and kaboodle. Tonight, I'm seeing a preview of a theatrical show, and I have some work this weekend ahead of me. Hoping everyone is have a safe, happy, and productive spring 2009!!! xo, Andrew |
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Spring 2009 - Reflections |
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Written by Andrew Sords
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Mar 22, 2009 at 12:06 PM |
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The first weekend of spring 2009. Wow. Remember when all the concern and hoopla surrounding Y2k was in the media - and now it is 2009. Many of my high school classmates are married or starting families; we have a new administration; the recession is affecting everyone; yet ticket sales are up more than ever for concerts. It's a strange time we're in. I look back over the last two years, and I feel very lucky. 2 years ago this weekend I played Brahms concerto for the first time with orchestra (albeit with strep throat, a lymph node infection, and a high fever), was making my first trip to Asia, preparing to play Beethoven for the first time, and thinking I was busy. Now, with a different program to play almost every week, I wish I were less busy! Studying with Chee-Yun (post CIM days) changed my life and outlook on music. The occasional collaboration with Robert Franz turned into a new post and monthly concerts. The very women from the Collaborative Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music who taught me the sonata repertoire are playing recitals and chamber music with me - a dream come true. And yet, I find the outreach performances the most rewarding - the inspiring letters and pictures from Webster Elementary School in St. Augustine, Florida recently were very touching! Speaking of St. Augustine, I spent a week there in February for 2 Bruch performances, an outreach, and a very fun interview with WFCF - I miss my hosts and the musicians a great deal. Warm, charming, and incredibly hospitable people. The orchestra was also very accommodating during my disastrous travel home (all part and parcel of this job). Blizzards shut down the airports in the Southeast...I ended up staying an extra night and taking six flights for 1200 miles the following day. Without luggage. Sigh. Additionally, I have played a couple recitals, Tchaikovsky concerto, orchestral performances, and just played a fun Brahms chamber music concert last night. This upcoming week, I am preparing for a Cleveland area recital, Mozart 4 in Austin, a Rock&Roll inspired photo shoot, and a radio interview on the necessity of classical music in today's uncertain times. Not to mention, my taxes need to be completed soon. It's been nice rehearsing in Cleveland for the chamber concert - catching up with CIM friends, family, and area musicians has been a blast. I'm enjoying this Sunday off - I'm probably taking my Lab to the park (don't tell him that...), and starting work on this next program. In fact, I'm still in pajamas as I type this! Not to mention, there is a very exciting Desperate Housewives on tonight. I know, I know...we all have our vices! I will start updating more regularly - I think it's been about 10 weeks since the last blog. However, for now, I'm going to go memorize these showpieces for the upcoming recital. I'm behind on that repertoire... Happy Spring to all! A |
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Last Updated ( Mar 26, 2009 at 12:07 PM )
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New Year's - with the glass half full... |
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Written by Andrew Sords
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Jan 06, 2009 at 10:42 AM |
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I know, I know...it's been forever since I've blogged...since last year, actually! I needed to wait for many things to settle down and the dust to clear before penning thoughts, events, and stream-of-consciousness prose. It has been a ridiculous holiday season, but one that's (already) been memorable! For starters, I must thank the Portsmouth Symphony in New Hampshire for a fabulous time last November. Our Brahms concerto collaboration was exciting, intimate and enjoyable, and Christopher Hill was a pleasure to work with. I especially enjoyed giving the masterclasses and hearing some of the talent New England has to offer. An added perk of that trip was the journey back to Cleveland on a private plane...story for another time...:) Also, recent collaborations with Robert Franz, Jodi Benson, Robert Burian and Evan Fein have each been special, and once again, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have my passion and my dream as my job. This year, venues are celebrating the bi-centennial of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and I'm finding myself increasingly booked with his e-minor concerto. It's been years since I have played it, but as one of the most pristine gems of the literature, I'm not complaining. I wonder if these "celebrations" will be akin to the Mozart jubilee from three years ago...it seems THAT anniversary JUST concluded. Up next...Samuel Barber's centennial in 2010. Additionally, I'm dedicating 2009 to many Ohio-related concerts...Tchaikovsky with the Parma Symphony, Beethoven with the Suburban Symphony, Bruch with the Shaker Heights Symphony, Mendelssohn with Mansfield Symphony, various recitals...it's nice to play in the area where one grew up and knows the environment, scene, and likewise. I hope to see all of you Midwestern-ites at these performances! :) The next one is the Chagrin Valley Chamber Series recital on February 22nd with the lovely Eriko Izumida...one of my oldest (not literally) friends in the business, and a truly engaging pianist. The program consists of Beethoven, Franck, Ravel and others. This week, I'm braving the scattered flurries outside, a house recital at the end of the week, and the "Leningrad" symphony by Shostakovich at Severance Hall. I don't know which to fear the most...though I shouldn't really be complaining about the Cleveland weather as it has been relatively mild this season. I do have some resolutions, though, for this upcoming year...working out more consistently, spending more prudently, not procrastinating with some repertoire...wishing everyone luck for whatever resolutions they aim to keep! Anyways, I should reacquaint myself with my 96-year-old four-stringed lover in preparation for an afternoon rehearsal...Happy 2009 everyone, and hope to meet you after the concerts! Best,
A |
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Last Updated ( Jan 06, 2009 at 10:46 AM )
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Autumn - or, bridging different time zones each week... |
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Written by Andrew Sords
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Nov 15, 2008 at 02:55 PM |
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Greetings from Boise, Idaho! It is a gorgeous day here - no clouds in the sky, visibility extremely clear, and everyone seeming in good spirits. I have thoroughly enjoyed this trip to the Northwest, and the Boise Philharmonic members are extremely gregarious and play quite well together. Not to mention, I'm here with one of my favorite people - conductor Robert Franz. Life is never dull collaborating (and seeking out phenomenal restaurants) with him! The last four weeks have been a blur. Concerts in Ohio, Texas, Idaho, and New England next week (Brahms concerto - I am excited!) I must recount a story from Ohio two weeks ago, however. At a concert in Mansfield, there were several hearing impaired children sitting in the front row. Following the concert, I met them and (with the help of their teacher/companion as translator) proceeded to ask about their favorite instruments, their ages, etc. I knelt in front of them, placed a girl's hand on the scroll of the violin, and played some Bach. Their reaction almost moved me to tears, and I was thankful that the charming students could be involved in the music-making through the vibrations from the instrument. I'm STILL impacted by that today. I feel so lucky to be a musician and bridge languages and other barriers through the simple joy of music. I think most artists are breathing a sigh of relief after last week's election results. Finally, there is someone at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. that cares about the NEA and arts programs in schools! I'm very optimistic for the next four years. The last two months, I have been very fortunate in taking in a number of excellent shows and performances--two comedies, a burlesque show, concerto performances by Midori, Karen Gomyo, and Horatio Gutierrez, several student recitals, and others. My head is full of music--but refreshingly so! My next four weeks aren't slowing at all, as I'm continuing the pattern of a different state each week. I am looking forward to a Thanksgiving break of relearning some unaccompanied Bach, Kreisler and Ysaye for a solo recital. I suppose I'll stuff myself full of good food that week as well! I'm going to go sit in the outdoor hottub now before warming up for tonight's concert...I fly back to Dallas tomorrow for 12 hours before heading up to New Hampshire first thing Monday. I look forward to the masterclasses I'm giving in the Portsmouth area, and to meeting the violin students! Best wishes for a safe and thankful November, A |
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