Then on Friday was my first ever viola da gamba class. Yes,
you can learn to play gamba at this school (be very jealous, attendees of every
other school in the world). There are four of us in the class: two cellists
playing bass viols, another violinist playing treble viol and me, the voluntary
tenor viol player (the music is in alto clef). All the viols are played
upright, with an upside-down bow hold, and because the neck is fretted, every
note resonates just like an open string. I am in love already. My tenor is
gorgeous to look at and listen to.
 |
| Isn't it gorgeous?? Isn't it just absolutely stunningly beautiful?! |
|
 |
Closeup of the neck, w/ my hand for scale
|
This afternoon I went to Family Day at the Yerba Buena
Gardens. There was a huge crowd, lots of kids running around and generally a
good time being had by all. Several museums were offering free entry, including
the Contemporary Jewish Museum, so I went in and spent a couple hours looking
at the exhibits. There was a wide variety of art, from intricate to minimalist,
and graphic to extremely abstract. A nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
 |
| Packed Yerba Buena gardens, with St Patrick's in the background |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| CJI |
I’ll close the week with a shot of school, which I feel is
long overdue. Now you can all see where I slave away.
 |
| Pretty, pretty school.... |
- Antisocial Violinist
I'll admit that I had to look up what a viola de gamba is. I find it really cool that you are learning how to play such an old-fashioned instrument! St. Patrick's Church looks lovely, and I didn't realize your school looks so neo-classical!
ReplyDeleteYou're learning to play the viola da gamba!!!!???? SO JELLY!! What size are you starting with? I've seen Jordi Savall play with different sizes.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned above, I volunteered for tenor so as to make up a full consort. So we have two bass viols, one tenor and one treble. Nice mix.
Delete