SHOSTAKOVICH, D.: Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 107: I. Allegretto (Masterclass with David Geringas) (Pelaez, Montalvan)
Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107
Composer: Shostakovich, Dmitry
Geringas, David
Montalvan, Ofelia
Pelaez, Pedro
Catalogue Number: RSS8081_1
Professor David Geringas remarks that some editions do not include a specific sforzato. Regarding the character, there is such a great energy in this piece that the performer feels motivated to go ahead, it is a constant drive. The student should not lose the higher lines even if there are very intense bowings. The student must pay attention to the character of every single motif. The syncopations help to reinforce the intention of the character. As the movement of the piece is steadily growing and developing, it is not possible to play every passage in the same way.
Professor Geringas insists on articulation and on the need of being faithful to the original. He makes a study of different articulations and the most appropriate setting for each of them. It is not advisable to play spiccato in the passages where lightness is not required and tempo has to be strictly kept. Professor Geringas asks the student to distinguish between the different energies demanded by the composer and to create more contrast among them. He also talks about the syncopations as an expressive resource.
It is necessary to know the full score very well and the voice that is carrying out the theme every time. Finally, Professor Geringas gives two interesting ideas: when we want to achieve more sound, we have to give more weight and bow quantity and movement; and when we drive the energy to a specific point, we must hold the tempo.
