Dear Sinfonia Members and Families,
 
Thank you for a very productive week of rehearsals. The seating plan we are using for the next few weeks is proving to be not only informative but a fun way for individuals to experience what it is like to play in different parts of the section. I’m continually impressed to see and hear the individual growth in musicianship as we develop our Sinfonia Team. (Yes, we will go back to our assigned seats and setup in the week before our dress rehearsal and performance.)
 
If you haven't done so already, update your calendar to include our future rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and recording session:

 
With future performances in mind, it’s time to think about and detail your skills to make good impressions. Both the recording session and your MYSO audition will require you to prep to your best ability not only in the big picture of your contribution to the ensemble but for yourself as an individual. It’s all about making good impressions!
 
Stay well, 

Mr. Rindt
Homework Assignment:  

Handel, Concerto Grosso: Focus your attention and refinement skills on movements I (a tempo giusto), II (allegro), and IV (allegro). These movements are excellent examples of Sinfonia’s strengths in performance. Pay particular attention to the spots that are challenging, and become confident in the bowings within and at the end of each movement. We will review in detail at rehearsals.
 
Mahler, Adagietto: Practice to your best ability full bow use for each note, slur, and phrasing at the slow tempo. Become more familiar with the transparent timbre and tone your instrument makes at the slow tempo and soft dynamic in the beginning, in contrast to the big, loud, and powerful moments toward the end. 
 
Grainger, Mock Morris: Know your part and hold the power of your voice in performance. Prep to enjoy the teamwork and interaction of your contribution to the layered arranging by Mr. Grainger. Know when to take the lead and when to get out of the way.
Part Assignment Reminder:

Handel: 
  • 1st Violin and 2nd Violin stands 1-6, perform the solo (concertato) part. All other stands perform the accompaniment (ripieno) part.
  • Cello stands 1-4 perform the solo (concertato) part.  All other stands perform the accompaniment (ripieno) part.
  • Viola and Bass: play your part as written.

Grainger:
  • 1st Violin Section: Stands 1-6 perform Violin I part. All other stands perform Violin II part.
  • 2nd Violin Section: Stands 1-6 perform Violin III part. All other stands perform Violin IV part.
  • Cello Section: Stands 1-4 perform Cello I part. All other stands perform Cello II part.
  • Viola and Bass: play your part as written.
Winter Concert Cycle Repertoire/Recording Links

Handel, Concerto Grosso in G Major, Op. 6, No. 1 (all movements)


  • Mvt. 1, 4/4, A tempo giusto, quarter note = 84
  • Mvt. 2, 4/4, Allegro, quarter note = 120
  • Mvt. 3, 3/4, Adagio, quarter note = 60
  • Mvt. 4, 4/4, Allegro, quarter note = 130
  • Mvt. 5, 6/8, in 2, Allegro, dotted quarter note = 76
Fun Facts
24 Days
Handel composed the Messiah in just twenty-four days, a staggering feat, given the original score is 259 pages. Source: The Classical Girl
Grainger/Dackow, Mock Morris


  • 2/2, At fast jog, half note = 104
Fun Fact
A Collector of Folk Music
Grainger was heavily influenced by English folk music, which he arranged for keyboard instruments, chamber ensembles, and solo voice and chorus.  Source: Britannica
Mahler/Gruselle, Adagietto from Symphony No. 5


  • 4/4, Very slow, quarter note = 58
Fun Fact
Final Concert
On February 21, 1911, Mahler conducted his final performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Source: Classical FM
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra | myso.org