A Trail Lesson

Yesterday I arrived in Vermont to begin final preparations for the 5 consecutive days of concerts I will play beginning on Wednesday evening. Actually on Sunday I play two different performances, so in all it’s actually six concerts and some ten or so rehearsals.

If you’ve been reading lately you already know something of the solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire I have to look forward to.

Today was my day of rest before the madness begins.

So, after a good practice session what better way of relaxing than by hitting the trail, and summating Vermont’s highest peak in the bargain. The trail was quite steep and exceedingly rocky, with water on it much of the way – one ascends roughly 2,700’ in less than 3 miles. Suffice it to say, on this trail you’d better mind your footing at all times.

As a climbed I played through some of the repertoire in my head.

Now, the demands of the trail made this rather challenging, especially since I was visualizing the actual notes as I did so.

There was, however, one practice habit I share with many of you that made this possible.

All the extra ‘brain power’ that came from verbalizing the beats in practice was available to me as I played passage after passage in my head, and simultaneously scanned the trail several yards ahead.

And given the steepness of the trail I was breathing pretty hard, full diaphragm breaths going right down to the navel. Just the kind you’re going to need playing at full tilt on the last page of the Mendelssohn Concerto.

Got back to the hotel room around six, made some supper, and did some more practice.

All in all this made for quite a beautiful day. The kind of day every violin lover should be enjoying with regularity.