An opportunity to work at the set repertoire sitting in a large circle, playing and rehearsing together with the Tedesca Quartet. This is large-scale chamber music, not an orchestra!
STANDARD: CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £582 Non-Resident: £445 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/332
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Monday 20 November 2023
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Monday 11 December 2023.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
The Tedesca Quartet – Nic Fallowfield, Jenny Curtis, Richard Muncey and Clare Bhabra, once again bring their innovative approach to Group Quartets, sitting and playing within the group and approaching everything as large-scale chamber music. Individual responsibility and initiative are encouraged, as is discussion on musical issues, rehearsal techniques and so on. This time we will be working on Mendelssohn’s String Quartet Op 12 in E flat and Shostakovich’s String Quartet No7 Op 108. On Wednesday the Tedesca Quartet will give a recital and entry is included in the course fee. As usual, we ask you to bring your own parts and to number the bars before you come. The first complete bar counts as bar 1 and ‘first time only’ bars at the end of repeated sections should not be taken into account in your calculations.
Tutor website: www.tedesca.co.uk
What will we cover?
This year we will be working:
Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in E flat Op 12
Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 7 Op 108
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
By the end of the course you will feel that you know a great deal more about our set work and its inner workings and you’ll have had an opportunity to listen to it with fresh ears in the public recital on the Wednesday evening. In addition you will have had an insight into how a professional string quartet goes about the business of rehearsing and preparing a new piece.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Standard: Confident, Skilful
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Initially we start out sitting in a large circle and having a first play-through of the set work. In the following session the four members of the Tedesca Quartet move into the centre of the room facing outwards to their respective sections, and we rehearse in that formation. The quartet often ‘revolves’ so that the four sections of the large group get a different perspective. When useful, the Tedesca Quartet will demonstrate passages.
On the last day of the course the seating changes again so that participants are able to feel that as well as being part of the large group they can also relate to a smaller unit within the mass.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, participants are requested to bring their own music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to hire the music from our library.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Just you, your music and instrument!
What previous participants said about this course…
“Amazing experience, the Tedesca are brilliant, so encouraging.”
“The coaching is always outstanding from the Fab Four. Always. By the last day I am playing beyond anything I might have expected or previously experienced.”
“Don't panic! There can be no kinder tutors than the Tedesca Quartet - they are very patient and guide participants through their sessions with good humour.”