Hello, Sinfonia members.

Thanks for a wonderful week of rehearsals. What a great team we have become! Our rotational seating in the last weeks has been productive and fun. I am impressed by your flexibility and fine playing throughout the Sinfonia ensemble. We will do one more week of rotation and then go back to our assigned seats.  

Make sure our very important dress rehearsal and recording session are on your calendar. Refer to the recent schedule communications.  

Make a good impression! Detail your skills to make good impressions at our weekly rehearsals. Know your music, and carry yourself physically with confidence to be an individual standout.  

Mr. Rindt

P.S. Don't forget to bring your pencil to rehearsals!
Homework Assignment:  

Handel, Concerto Grosso: 
  • I (a tempo giusto)
  • II (allegro)
  • IV (allegro)

We will play these three movements in our recording session. They are excellent examples of Sinfonia’s strengths in performance. Pay particular attention to the spots that are challenging, and gain confidence with the bowings within and at the end of each movement. We further explore the skillful contrasts of Handel’s concerto and symphony style of composition within the Concerto Grosso.
 
Mahler, Adagietto: Practice your full bow use for each note, slur, and phrasing at the slow tempo. Did I mention full bow? I can’t stress enough the need for full bow use in this piece. Become more familiar with the transparent timbre and tone your instrument makes at the slow tempo and soft dynamic in the beginning. This is 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.
Fun Facts
Handel lived at 25 Brood Street in Mayfair, London, from 1723-1759.  In 1968, the rock musician Jimi Hendrix lived at the same address.
Mr. Grainger’s most famous work was his arrangement of the folk song Country Gardens.
Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 is considered by many to be one of the top 20 best symphonies ever written.
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
Grainger/Dackow, Mock Morris


  • 2/2, At fast jog, half note = 104
Mahler/Gruselle, Adagietto from Symphony No. 5


  • 4/4, Very slow, quarter note = 58
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra | myso.org