Reflections on Playing Handel-Casadesus Violin Concerto: Technical Challenges and Musical Insights
As a viola player with five years of experience, you might be considering whether to tackle the Handel-Casadesus Violin Concerto (which can be enjoyed on the viola as well). This concert piece, like many others in the viola repertoire, comes with its unique set of technical and musical challenges, but it also offers substantial rewards for dedicated players.
A Boring Yet Essential Piece
On the surface, the Handel-Casadesus Violin Concerto may come across as a rather mundane piece. It's not the kind of work that keeps you humming with excitement, for it lacks the zing of some of Handel's other operas, some of which might be considered a masterpiece. However, its apparent ordinariness is deceptive. This composition is part of the standard repertoire and is at an intermediate level, so it will inevitably become a familiar part of any violist's journey, regardless of one's playing style or technique.
The concerto is a rich learning ground, offering various technical challenges that will hone your skills. Techniques such as ease in shifting, reading uncommon key signatures in the treble clef, bow movement agility, and specific bowing articulations are all practiced and improved upon through this piece. These skills are invaluable for any professional musician, making the time invested in mastering the work well worth the effort.
A Favorite among Many
Playing the violin version of the Handel-Casadesus Concerto in the late 1970s, I understood its significance beyond its musical validity. As a HUGE fan of George Frideric Handel, I appreciated the delightful nature of his compositions. Apart from the concerto in question, his rarely performed operas also hold a special place in my heart. Some opera pieces offer a beautifully serene and captivating experience. The 12 Concerti Grossi, particularly, were crafted by Handel with remarkable speed in a single month. This feat is nothing short of astonishing, especially considering his well-documented writing prowess mentioned by none other than Ludwig van Beethoven.
The Spectrum of Viola Performance
One must not forget that the world of viola performance is vast and varied. While some violists, even after five years, might have reached an exceptional level of skill and artistry, others may still be on the learning curve. This wide spectrum of abilities can make it difficult to gauge the exact quality of one's playing, especially without professional ear or without feedback from experienced mentors. However, given your years of dedicated practice, the Handel-Casadesus Concerto offers a comprehensive opportunity to further refine your technique and musicianship.
Adding to Your Resume
In addition to the purely artistic satisfaction, performing the Handel-Casadesus Concerto can also serve as a point of pride and accomplishment on your resume. This piece is commonly performed in recitals, competitions, and even some masterclasses, indicating that it holds a place in the visual representation of a musician's skillset. It's a story of dedication and a testament to your journey as a violist, which makes it a valuable addition to any professional profile or auditions.
To summarize, while the Handel-Casadesus Concerto might not spark instantaneous excitement, it remains a valuable addition to a viola player's repertoire, packing a punch of technical challenges and lasting musical insights. If you're up for the challenge, it could not only enhance your playing but also serve as a fitting addition to your professional journey.