WAXMAN, Franz
Carmen Fantasy for violin and orchestra (version for violin and piano)
Christoph Poppen, visiting professor
Elina Sitnikava, student
Vadim Gladkov, accompanying pianist
The class begins with a reference to Bizet’s opera Carmen and an explanation of the character that the performer of this work should convey: not energetic, but rather singing in an elegant manner.
Professor Poppen makes several indications regarding bow pressure, dynamics, and phrasing at different moments in the piece. The ornamentation should be more delicate, and in certain passages, it is necessary to make a freer rubato as well as tenuto. He also suggests maintaining the tension, speed, and distribution of the bow in order to achieve a better sound quality. He insists that the student play with more charm and show more beauty instead of more power or force. The professor also advises her to play with more contact with the bow on some occasions to pay attention to the sound and intonation, with clear phrasing and spiccato.
Language: English
