Taught by renowned cellist
Jan Vogler
The Dvořák cello concerto is perhaps the most iconic work ever composed for the instrument. Cello soloist Jan Vogler is our guide through this awe-inspiring masterpiece, which he calls a "cello symphony."
Overview
In this course, Jan Vogler examines the Dvořák cello concerto in detail. From the iconic quasi improvisando opening and the fire of the first movement, to the aching lyricism of the second, to the Czech folk elements and the grand coda of the third-- this course is a tour of one of the pillars of the repertoire. We learn from both a cellist and musical perspective details about the story behind there notes, in addition to many invaluable practice techniques to hone our skills and make the piece really shine.
I. Allegro
One of the most difficult things about the first movement is getting into the character of the piece right from the start. Vogler teaches us his methods of entering the music emotionally and physically before we play. We also learn about the importance of producing a big sound (when necessary), to soar above a large orchestra. Vogler also spends significant time discussing the famous sextuplet passage that appears twice in this movement and offers important practice tools for these passages that have confounded cellists since the première of the work.
II. Adagio, ma non troppo
In his lesson on the most intimate of the three movements, Vogler talks about precision, character, allusions to folk melodies, and much more. He discusses intonation, practicing, and blending with the woodwind section: "use a warm sound with moderate vibrato."
III. Finale: Allegro moderato – Andante – Allegro vivo
Focus on a singing sound! The third movement should always sound vocal, never mechanical. Vogler discusses each passage's defining characteristics, why a slower trill is almost always better, how to deal with the chromatic scale in m. 187, and a lot more.
Conclusion
In the conclusion segment, Jan Vogler offers us a deeply personal account of his history with this piece. Sharing thirty years of performance experience, we learn about his early days in East Germany studying this work as well as the many times (he estimates more than fifty) he has played it, as well as fascinating stories of his recording with the New York Philharmonic. We also learn about Vogler's fascination with the great Russian violinists Jascha Heifetz and David Oistrakh, and the constant inspiration they provide.
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Unlock Course →Jan Vogler is esteemed as cellist appearing with all the major orchestras. He is also a highly successful administrator and serves as Artistic Director of the Moritzburg Festival and Director of the Dresden Music Festival.
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