SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitry
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 2, Op. 126 (reduction for cello and piano)
III. Allegretto
Frans Helmerson, guest professor
Johannes Gray, student
Ofelia Montalván, accompanying pianist
The beginning of the third movement must be played with great confidence, and Helmerson suggests how to play it in a way that achieves great rhythmic precision. Later on, one should not take too much time: it must convey a sense of impatience. The professor also provides indications regarding color contrasts and the direction of the music. They then discuss the orchestration of the work, vibrato, the character of the movement, articulation, etc.
The professor asks the student to relax the neck in a certain passage, which also helps relax the arms to play more freely, more in the folk music style. Later on, it is important to know and show where the music is taking us, and for another passage he suggests playing with a more open sound using somewhat more bow (which does not mean louder), changing the color. The pizzicato section must be played in a way that achieves the appropriate character. They also review the final note.
Finally, they return to the beginning of the movement at the professor’s request to review the bow strokes, phrasing, dynamics, etc.
Language: English
