Journey from the Baroque to the Modern: The Viola in Public Performance and Musical Analysis, Featuring works by Bach, C. Stamitz, Weber, Bloch, and Brahms

Abstract

When I was in Vienna, studying music for a semester abroad, I began to think seriously about my senior recital and the pieces I should consider playing. This program was shaped largely by the viola lessons I took while in Vienna. Initially, I had anticipated learning new pieces with the professor -- and accordingly brought multiple new solos from home. At my first lesson, we worked on Bach's Suite Three Prelude, since it was a piece I had worked on before and it would allow the professor and me to get to know each other as musicians. The process of dissecting a new piece I had played many times before was surprisingly rewarding. I discovered new ways to look at the piece, ways to use the piece to my technical advantage, and better ways to organize my practicing. I also began to pick up on new mental tools and mindsets to have while preparing and performing a piece. Inspired by this first lesson, I subsequently brought only pieces I had previously worked on to other lessons. From these interactions came my revelation for selecting pieces for my senior recital. [From Chapter One: Program Overview]