Grueling GRE

I took the GRE this morning. It was NOT easy. My friends had given me conflicting reports. Some said it was a breeze while others said it was the worse thing ever. I did do a little preparatory work. Looked over a couple of practice tests which was a good thing because some of the vocabulary and questions did appear on the test today. I ran out of time on the quantitative section and had to guess the final 15 answers. I'm not used to working without a calculator. Despite this, my unofficial scores should be adequate for my major.

Two Concerts

Last night a friend gave me tickets to New World Symphony's Baroque Concert. They played a nifty little piece by Jean-Marie LeClair called "Glaucus and Scylla". It was originally an opera but rearranged for orchestra. LeClair also had the honor of being among murdered composers. Being isolated, he was found dead two months later clutching his red Strad violin.

Today, we went to see my chamber music teacher's concert of twentieth century music. Here's an excerpt of one of the more interesting pieces.

Pain Free but Muted.

I was able to play cello Tuesday night without pain. The middle finger on my left hand isn't bothering me anymore although the right hand still gives me a twinge now and then.

We now have a bass player for the Brandenburg so the sound is a little bottom heavy. I put my mute on. The slow movement doesn't need any extra bass, maybe I'll just air bow. Teacher wants to do all three movements for the recital April 13th. It will be interesting to see if the recorders actually play in tune.

300 Tang Poems

When I was in China back in 2002, I picked up several children's books. I hope to eventually work my way through them. Here's the first offering.

chán

蝉

cicada

chuí ruí yǐn qīng lù

垂 緌 饮 请 露,

dangling caps (to) drink invites (the) dew

liú xiǎng chū shū tóng

流 响 出 疏 桐.

flowing frequencies emit thinly (through the) "Chinese wood-oil tree"

jū gāo shēng zì yuǎn

居 高 声 自 远,

resides (the) loud noise (of) self (heard) far

fēi shì jiè quī fēng

非 是 藉 秋 风.

not is because of autumn wind.

Moral: if you live high (on the social ladder) your voice carries far.

Minor Injuries

Managed to fall up the stairs the other day and whacked both middle fingers of the left and right hand. It made for interesting cello playing at chamber music class. Happily, C natural and F natural can be played in half position if given enough time.

Besides the Brandenburg 4, I'm working on the first movement of Haydn's String Quartet opus 77 #1. Our first violin was out of town Tuesday night so hubby stepped in and took it "at tempo" which was actually a lot of fun because at that speed one doesn't have time to worry about getting all the right notes.