Sylvia had a wonderful musical opportunity today. She was able to be part of half of the day's activities for the 7th Annual Popper Workshop of the ISU cello studio. She attended Dr. Ransom's presentation about the history of the great cellists, which was very interesting. (Sylvia asked me to sit in on it too--kinda cool for me to be back in a college music classroom.) Dr. Ransom showed the students there who study with her how they can trace their own musical education all the way back to the beginning of the cello through the greatest cellists!
After the presentation, all the cellists who were part of the day gathered to rehearse 2 pieces by David Popper together. These were cellists of all ages (elementary school beginners through professional adults). I had never heard a cello choir before, and immediately got goosebumps from the sound of 24 cellos playing together!
Jeremy, Annah, and Caeden came back to listen to the concert. 9 solo Popper cello pieces were performed before the 2 cello choir pieces, and it was very cool to get to take that in. (It was difficult for Caeden to sit still and silent through an hour of classical cello music, but he did a pretty good job.)
Here are the 2 beautiful pieces Dr. Ransom arranged for cello choir.
(Personally, I love the second piece.)
L'Andalouse from Spanish Dances, Op. 54, No. 4
To the Memory of My Parents, Op. 64, No. 1
Sylvia was fairly nervous, being so new to cello, and said it was pretty hard music for her. But, she also said today that she wants to do as much as she can with her cello, so she is enjoying the challenges, and thankful for every opportunity.
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