| I've been reading both of these parallel threads for some time, not commenting and watching as things unfold, thinking about what all of you are saying all the while.
Wilmer, as usual, is absolutely correct, andd is not saying anything at all negative to B15, but is simply forcing him to check his confidence in his abilities, and making him aware that this is an EXTREME level of playing.
I read an article by Douglas Yeo, and in that article he says that preparation for an audition does not begin in the practice room with the list. It begins YEARS ahead of time. Years of dilligent study, of correct and efficient practice methodology, and performing experience. A "killer", if I may elaborate on Wilmer's point earlier, has that background. A "killer" can render any piece on a short moment's notice in a manner that is absolutely stunning, reliable in terms of its consistency. A "killer" never misses. (Well, 99.999% of the time, anyway). The members of the NY Phil perform many, many works, on some ratherr short rehearsal time. Try this on for size, if you can handle it: look at their upcoming concert schedule for this month only. Add in recording sessions, open rehearsals for community education, and any solo playing these individuals do. Imagine this imaginary program, if you will: performing a concert like Ein Heldenleben and The Rite of Spring on Thursday night, as a live braodcast across the nation (Live from Lincoln Center), as your first performance of that repertoire that week, with rehearsals beginning on Monday. You have little time to get that material down, the it's on to next week: a Beethoven Overture, Ravel Piano Concerto and something else of shorter duration featuring the pianist (someone like Emmanuel Axe), and maybe Tchaikovsy Symphony Number 4. You are recording Tchaikovsky this week, so you are also working on Cappricio Italien for that project. Rehearsl time is at a minimum, studio time is expensive, and so you must be at performance level in 2 rehearsals.
I think the list is a resonable reflection of what it takes to maintain that schedule. If you can't prepare that list to that level in the time alloted, then you have no business being there taking their time. If you can, and you would know that by now, then go. It's not only being able to play it; it's being able to PEFORM it, at the level they need in the manner that matches and suits their style. That may sound harsh; but if you are in ANY kind of doubt about your ability to prepare, then you will not make it past the first round (where they separate the "men from the boys"). I have taken auditions I had no business taking, but would never attempt that level. It's like trying to do Everest as maybe your third climbing effort.
It's a great thing that as a comeback player you are even considering this. If you are at the level to do it, that is truly inspiring.
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-Glenn
"Roses have thorns; shining waters mud. Clouds and eclipses stain the moon and the sun; and history reeks of the wrongs we have done. After today, after today, consider me gone."- Sting |