Herbert Plays Mozart
Orchestral Excerpt Insights • 04-May-2021
For CSO Principal Timpani David Herbert, the opening passage of Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 gives a timpanist the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to play phrases that are simple yet expressive. “When musicians perform Mozart, it's important to focus on the beauty and the elegance of the sound. It’s also very important to remember not to overthink too much. Focus on the beauty, focus on the simplicity, and understand that simplicity is the best form of sophistication.”
Up Next in Orchestral Excerpt Insights
-
Welter Plays Rimsky-Korsakov
Rimsky-Korsakov’s ingenious and beloved depiction of One Thousand and One Nights has made his Sheherazade a staple on concert stages and audition lists alike. In this Orchestral Excerpt Insight, CSO Principal Oboe William Welter explains how imagery and context influence his int...
-
Cooper Plays Strauss
In this Orchestral Excerpt Insight, CSO Principal Horn David Cooper walks viewers through the techniques he uses to practice the opening solo from Strauss’ iconic tone poem Ein Heldenleben. And when it comes time to play this piece for an audition, what’s his advice? Trust that the commi...
-
Gunn Plays Shostakovich
Audiences around the world have marveled at the beautiful and consistent playing of Jennifer Gunn, piccolo of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Her instrument may be small, but her approach to making music with it is mighty. In this Orchestral Excerpt Insights video, she describes the importance of...