Early July 2006

About a week before the 1st audition date, the guys email me and the other candidates the music. The pieces include the first movement from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, the Habanera and Entr'acte from Bizet's Carmen Suite, Tarantella by Horacio Salinas of Inti Illimani, Djembe by Andy York, and Paisaje Mexicano by Copland.

Each piece, carefully chosen by the Quartet, had its own technical and musical challenges. The Bach was a little tricky in that there are a lot of fast scalar figures. Also, of course, I had to watch my Baroque phrasing and mannerisms. Carmen was not difficult technically. I think the challenge here was phrasing the lines expressively, with appropriate use of legato, rubato, vibrato, etc. The challenges in the more modern Copland were changing meters, a very wide dynamic range, specific articlations, and some intricate ensemble work. Djembe had similar rhythmic complexities, such as tricky interlocking syncopations. The Tarantella was just damn fast! My part doubles Scott's flying lines. Guitar playing seems so easy for Scott, and it's amusing how, in a piece like this, he'll look over at you, sizing you up for what speed he thinks you might be able to handle that day. Then he hits the afterburners and maxes you out!