Hello, Sinfonia members.

What a week of productive rehearsals; thank you. We are now in final prep for our recording session, and our hard work is paying off. Both ensembles are sounding great.

We will resume regular assigned seating and ensemble setup. I can’t tell you how productive and fun the alternate seating has been over the past few weeks. Thanks for your flexibility and your willingness to grow through this.

Make sure our future rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and recording sessions are on your calendar. 

Tuesday Orchestra:
  • Tuesday, March 9: NO Tuesday Orchestra Rehearsal
  • Thursday, March 11: Make-Up Rehearsal, 6:45-8:15 pm
  • Monday, March 15: Dress Rehearsal, 4:30-6:00 pm
  • Tuesday, March 16: Recording Session, 7:30-9:00 pm

Thursday Orchestra:
  • Thursday, March 11: Rehearsal, 4:30 pm
  • Monday, March 15: Dress Rehearsal, 6:45-8:15 pm
  • Wednesday, March 17: Recording Session, 4:30-6:00 pm

Now is the time to commit to the details of your music. Be confident enough in your knowledge of the music to be an individual standout. Imagine yourself making a good impression on camera!

Mr. Rindt
Homework Assignment:  

Pay particular attention to the challenging spots and prep to your best ability at the metronome tempos. I picked out the following sections to focus on (in orange) below.

Handel, Concerto Grosso: 

I. (A tempo giusto) Quarter note = 85. Think of this movement as a prelude of majesty and fanfare. Project your sound like trumpets. Work on accidentals in m.19-29 (sharps and flats not in the key signature).
 
II. (Allegro) Quarter note = 100. This movement is a true concerto grosso. “Voices unite as one.” The skillful Mr. Handel crafted a collective blend of all the instruments to sound as the grand solo concerto. Work on sixteenth note patterns (violin/viola).
 
IV. (Allegro) quarter note = 100. In this movement, we further explore the skillful contrasts of Handel’s concerto and symphony style of composition within the concerto grosso. It’s a little of everything for each voice and instrument. You need to know/perform each note, rhythm, bowing, articulation, dynamic, and tonal contrast. Work on m. 49-end.
 
Mahler, Adagietto: 

Quarter note = 60.  Practice your full bow use for each note, slur, and phrasing at the slow tempo. Become more comfortable 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. Work on all to develop musicianship.
 
Grainger, Mock Morris: 

Quarter note = 150. Make it fun! 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. Work on J - R.
Fun Facts
George Frideric Handel was reported to be a very funny man. He used English, French, Italian, and German, all mixed up together, to tell his great stories, just as he combined the music styles of those countries to compose his musical works.
Percy Grainger designed his own bizarre clothing...some made from towels!
Gustav Mahler composed almost exclusively during the summers, in a remote cabin. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking the Alpine Trails.
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