It’s been little more than a week now. Returning home felt good. But catching up? argh… Been waking up at around 1:00am for almost a week, which was necessary for me to catch up with everything. It was nice to have a rehearsal with the students and spend the Palm Sunday at the church singing V.Williams and Handel….
Now, the roster for the choir and the orchestra are complete. I insisted that we have a preliminary string-principal meeting with Ken Mervine who’s agreed to play the continuo, prior to our first full orchestra rehearsal. We finally confirmed to meet with 5 principals and Ken on May 9. Absolutely necessary! As I’m preparing the scores with my own markings, I realize more and more how massive this is.. I thought I would be able to finish marking the scores by April 1.. How foolish! My computer says it is now 2:33am, April 3. Finally done.
Helmuth Rilling emphasizes memorizing the music. He would say, ‘..it is worthwhile..’ I agree. My favorite German word; auswendiglernen; to learn by heart! not just memorizing. I must learn BY HEART. So, the music comes from the HEART. Is there any other way? I think not. Yes, it is worthwhile.
Yesterday, I secured two additional donors with some significant amounts. Still long way to go though, especially with St. Matthew.
The two venues for the Messiah in December are almost confirmed.
This must go on.