Musical Notes and Thoughts

After more months than I care to think about, the backing tracks for future recitals are (more or less) done. Although a bit of fine tuning might still be necessary, the various tracks are equalized well enough to be of use as they are.

With the summer heat, I haven’t been practicing quite as much, and the condition of several pieces reflect that, having declined slightly. For what is intended, two hours of practice per day is not enough. The time spent creating the backing tracks was also a contributing factor.

In terms of the “evangelical” type recital, something in my intended presentation struck me as being off, something along the lines of needing to make some changes. After trying to avoid that sense, I finally realized that I needed to pay attention to it.

That means I’ve had to start working at this belated date on two new pieces, one of which I’m still in the process of arranging. How much of a delay this may cause, I’m not sure. Fortunately the piece I’m arranging—a key hymn—is one I’m quite familiar with, which helps. I’m hoping that by God’s grace, it will take no more than a week to figure out (the first draft is about two-thirds done at this point).

I’d like to be ready to present that program no later than the end of October. I’ll also be aiming to be ready to do a more traditional chamber music recital within that time frame as well, perhaps either in late October or early November at the latest. I’ll also be contacting a few key people to present demos at that point as well (Steve Shenewerk and Rob Walker to name two).

I am encouraged to be almost there (though a bit apprehensive, given how long it has been since I’ve done any serious performance).

I’ve still got other pieces to learn and add to “the list”, not to mention a double-bass concerto I need to get back to composing—as well as a few more hymns to arrange, but the good news is that I’ve reached critical mass and can move forward with what I’ve already done.

The next step after all of the above is completed, will be to work on getting versions prepared in formal music manuscript, to send to my past accompanist, Marcia Fischer, so we can aim toward doing at least a couple fully live recitals, where I won’t have to use the backing tracks. Live performance is always better than using backing tracks.

Good stuff.