Course Syllabus

<p id="">Introduction</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, Alisa Weilerstein introduces us to the intense, wild, and dramatic music of Dmitri Shostakovich. Weilerstein gives us background on the piece as well as personal anecdotes about the history of this piece.</p>

<p id="">I. Allegretto</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we go on a detailed tour of the first movement of the work. Weilerstein shows us practice methods for tuning double stops, shifting, and finding proper articulation in both hands. We also learn about the myriad characters in this work, and how the element of sarcasm is crucial to understanding the moods of the movement.</p>

<p id="">II. Moderato</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we learn about the depth of emotions in the slow movement of this concerto. We study ways of creating the emotional palate, and learn that this music is not to be played the same way as, for example, Tchaikovsky. We also learn how to produce a hyper-focused sound with false harmonics.</p>

<p id="">III. Cadenza (attacca)</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we learn all about the cadenza, which is a great masterpiece unto itself. Weilerstein teaches us methods of practice that are useful not just for this movement but also for any difficult passage in the repertoire. She teaches us it is important when you make a mistake to acknowledge it and go back and fix it immediately.</p>

<p id="">IV. Allegro con moto</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we study the fourth movement of the Shostakovich first concerto. One of the biggest things to keep in mind is the range of characters in this movement, from deadpan non-expressions to frantic Jewish dances. We also learn the importance of knowing where the left hand thumb is in relation to practicing scales and tuning properly.</p>