I'm playing a song from the Magic Flute arranged as a viola piece in a concert next Saturday. It's called "Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen" (all men, who can feel love) and it's set for grade 5 viola next year. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about the piece because my playing is mostly technically correct with dynamics etc. but I feel that it's still quite dull (to me anyway).

Any information would be greatly appreciated as I've never played a viola solo before and so I'm very nervous.
Emma

Hi Emma

I'm playing this piece too, but in a set of variations by Beethoven for my Grade 8 exam. I see what you mean about it seeming dull - have you played it with the piano part yet? That usually adds interest. Also think about the character of the piece to help your audience understand it more. It's quite humorous, so try to bring this across. Listen to the original opera version if you can, and find out the story behind the song.
If you've never played solo before these are the tips I would give:

- walk on stage with confidence. Even if you're shaking inside, giving the apperance of confidence will make you feel that way.

- wear something you can play easily in (sometimes difficult on a viola!)

- smile. Look as if you're doing you're favourite thing in the world. If you look nervous and apprehensive this will make your audience nervous and worried for you too.

- take as much time as you need with tuning, getting comfortable etc. No need to rush.

- If you make a mistake, don't go back to correct it (would be confusing for your accompanist!). Just act like it never happened and carry on, ie don't pull faces or get annoyed with yourself. This gives the game away, most people wouldn't even notice otherwise

- if you're using a music stand, don't hide behind it. This puts up a barrier between you and the audience.

- depending on the size of the room and type of acoustic, you might want to try and project your sound more than if you were just practising on your own. Have a test run and get somebody (eg, your teacher) to stand at the back of the room to tell you how it sounds.

- think also about the angle at which you stand. Have your viola sideways so that it's parallel/in line with the back wall of the room. This means that you have to stand slightly sideways so that your instrument is at this angle. If you just stood with your body facing the front, your instrument would be in line the wall to your right, and the sound wouldn't carry so well. I've seen many violinists do this - they need to think about where their sound is going.

- before taking the viola off your shoulder at the end, pause slightly. This gives the audience time to register that the piece has finished so they can clap, and stops things becoming too abrupt.

- take a drink of water with you - I know my mouth can get dry with the concentration. You'll be grateful for it!

- acknowledge your applause by bowing. Again, this makes you look more comfortable on stage than some people I've seen who act as though the audience wasn't there. It's all about commmunication.


And remember, the first time will always be the hardest. It gets easier every time after this! Good luck

Hannah

Hi, thanks very much Hannah. I have played it with the piano part and it does sound a lot better with it. I did have a feeling that it was quite humourous - glad to know that it wasn't just me! I've never seen the Magic Flute but we've got a tape of it at home so I must listen to it again.

The solo tips are great - thank you very much!
I'll let you know how it goes.

(Ms Morris, I really meant to put this in the General Discussion Forum. Is there any chance that you could move it please?)