AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Question I too am a violinist. I started when I was 4, and I am now a senior in High School. I have been listening to Vengerov, and I feel that his style is truly unique. I have been comparing that way he plays Czardas to the way the Mantovani Orchestra plays. I know that Vittorio Monti's composition is pretty much made for improvisation, but I have been practicing, and I can't quite figure out what the tempo should really be for the faster sections of Czardas.
Answer Hi Clare,
It's clear you've been doing your research! I can't say I've been listening to Vengerov or the Mantovani Orchestra lately, but fortunately I'm familiar with the composition you are asking about. You're right, Czardas is made for improvisation (at least in the tempo department), so I can't really suggest a concrete tempo that you should adhere to like super glue (such a tempo doesn't exist for this piece like it might for Mozart). I think that the faster sections would be well played at a metronome setting of about 145-170; faster than that and the jollity of the arpeggios may be compromised (in favor of sounding too spastic no matter how skilled the musician playing it may be). I hope this is of assistance; do have fun with the Czardas, it's a rather impressive piece to play whenever people "just want to hear something".
Sincerely,
David
