Video of the week: Brahms' Double Concerto

Here is just a taste of Brahms' well known "Double Concerto." Technically, this is his "Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra". This recording features Truls Mørk, cello; Lisa Batiashvili, violin; Sir Simon Rattle, conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Students: How many movements are in this work, and about how long is it in full?

If you have time, I suggest you listen to recordings of it in full length!

Blue and black or white and gold?

Okay, folks, I need some help, here.  The idea was, a baby blanket. Well, several, as most of you know.   This yarn was part of the several large bags donated.  It took me a few days to figure out what would match the rust colour, and I'm happy with the mix, but I'm not convinced it's something today's parents would go for in their nursery. If I were selling it, my question would be answered, but for giving it away...would it be more suited for an older population?  

The colours on my screen here as viewed from my standing-at-the-counter position are a bit washed out... the rust and antique blue are a bit darker.  More true if I were sitting at eye-level with the screen.  But I think either way, they are close enough for your opinion on whether they are suitable for giving to parents of a newborn.

Fido likes it! (And knew he wasn't supposed to lie on it!)

The blanket measures 38" square, and is based on (Link)Bizzy Crochet's (gorgeous!) Faeries Baby Sampler (Elizabeth Mareno). I substituted the star centre from this (Link)Amazing Star Afghan pattern, and made a few other changes, as well as using different colours. It took me exactly a month to complete. 

I know my readers are pretty shy about leaving comments, but you can do so anonymously, or send me an email. I really need some feedback!  And please don't just tell me I should keep it for myself, I have another one started for me, already!

Maybe I should have instead stopped about here for a pillow?  (Hmm - wonder if there is enough left to...)

Video of the Week: Brahms' Lullaby

Who are the three big B's of music history?  Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms! 

Let's listen to some Brahms!  Here is his most well known melody, Wiegenlied (Lullaby).  It was not written for the cello originally, but for voice (the original German and English lyrics can be found online).  As the cello is the instrument most like the human voice, songs like this suit it well!

Students, please write on your practice sheet where and when Brahms lived, and what genre of music he composed (baroque, classical, romantic, modern, or ??).

Note, also, bow placement of this soloist.  Often, the second part is played with a mute.  What does this soloist do, instead? 

Video of the Week: Paganini's secrets!

This is a lesson in holding and using a violin bow... so don't change the way you are holding your cello bow, but see how much of the bowing technique instruction translates to the cello bow!  A little longer than the usual weekly video at 20 minutes, but some really great instruction!  You might even want to watch more than once.

Students: Bring a pencil and be ready to show me one of the "stick" exercises, such as push ups!