Rehearsals
have been continuing for our performance this week.
Different
Trains has proved quite a challenge for a number of reasons. The piece uses three pre-recorded
string quartets on a backing CD alongside the live quartet. Rehearsing it
requires that we have an adequate sound system as being able to hear the
intricacies of the backing track are essential if we are to fit our individual
parts in correctly. Our biggest problem seems to have been the page turns! The parts have very few rests, so no
option for the usual photocopy of the odd page to aid a turn – we find
ourselves having to turn the page, count bars rest whilst trying to pick up a
new pulse all at the same time. We
are feeling pretty confident now, just looking forward to getting into the
auditorium on Saturday to rehearse with the equipment we will be using and
getting used to the different equipment and acoustic. It’s a fantastic piece and we’ve really enjoyed getting to
know it.
We’re
meeting with Paul Whitty this week to rehearse his piece again. He has been
down in Devon recording Jackie Oates singing some folk songs which will feature
strongly in the piece, and he and Emma also spent another rainy day in
Thorverton recording more Devon earth sounds.
Simon
Belshaw’s piece, Between the Moon and the Earth, is the more straightforward of
the three pieces for the players.
Similarly to the Reich, we have to fit our parts around the backing
track, but the slower pace of the music gives us more time to collect our
thoughts. The combination of the
amazing film footage of the Apollo astronauts and the beautiful harmonies in
Simon’s music are what makes the piece so mesmerising. We’re looking forward to playing this
during the Family Sunday afternoon on the 27th – children can’t fail
to be enthralled by the images projected up on a big screen in the
auditorium.
This
project has been in the planning since last summer – it’s hard to believe we’re
finally approaching our first performance. We’re all very excited and looking forward to Sunday……… Hope to see you there! JH
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