Tan Dun "Youtube Symphony" (viola)

[Hikikomori013]

I think there are probably few things as dull as watching the support part of a symphony being played as a solo. But after you get through everyone else's music and start bowing again it gets pretty good. A little hard to follow without the main music that you're supporting, but very good. It makes me want to hear the whole piece.

[SamanthaGillogly]

@Hikikomori013 This piece was part of my audition for the 2009 Youtube Symphony Orchestra. It was written for the contest. As part of our auditions, we had to record our instrument's part solo, both so the judges could hear us play orchestral repertoire individually, and so they could later create a virtual "mash-up" orchestra from various entrant's videos. If you search "Act Two: Youtube Symphony," you can hear our live performance of the piece at Carnegie Hall. It starts around the 7:45 mark.

[Hikikomori013]

@SamanthaGillogly

I found the mash-up (including the storm trooper playing horn). It was even better than I was expecting.

I've also been enjoying watching this year's audition videos. Even the ones who aren't as good as you are give everything they have.

[AussyMan00]

Hello. I play the Viola as well. I know i'm commenting a little late but I am wondering if you would be kind enough to send me the sheet music. Thank you.

p.s Are they having a second youtube symphony?

[amightyo]

O boy!!!! I guess you had so much fun at the symphony this year. Nice playing:-) Would you teach me how to play the viola? I am a very fast learner:-) You will surely buy one soon!!!! Cheers!!!

[Violascry]

Beautiful playing! You are so emotional and music is so powerful!

Really pretty viola part - often we violas only get half notes for half a page or something like that. It's great to play something exciting!!!

[SamanthaGillogly]

Thank you so much! Yes, you are right, this was a very exciting part to play. :) Tan Dun wrote very fun and interesting parts for every instrument in the orchestra and each of us felt like our part was very important. He is an awesome composer!

[Violascry]

May I ask you if you know where I can get the sheet music for this? It is such a breathtaking piece (and you give it wings)!

[douglassmcann]

this piece, sam, is very strong... and dynamic, and now romantic...

only you can bring out all of this feeling..

hugs

douglas

[SamanthaGillogly]

Thank you! Tan Dun's writing covered such a lush palette of colors. I tried my best to bring out all the different characters.

[SamanthaGillogly]

Oh, whoops! Heh, sorry, my bad. :P

[HannahMiriah]

hey is that your own cause i played the viola in 4th grade and then in 5th witch i am in now i play the cello but next year i am switching back cause personly i think i was better ant the viola than the cello almost the same but better at the viola so ya! lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SamanthaGillogly]

Hannah, congrats on deciding to stick with the viola! It's a great instrument. I love my viola. It's a rental, but I hope to be able to actually buy it some day.

[HannahMiriah]

that was miriah who wrote that :)

[cchjimhk]

good job

[MegMerrilies]

Yeah - you won! that's great news...

[vpmoo]

Incredible performance - so much energy and focus! Brava!!

[douglasmccann]

everyone please vote green for samantha...

[viosphere]

You sound so good on viola!

[PhantomsxOperaxWhore]

Gorgemous, as always Sammie-pie. = ]

[lostinjks]

Wow, I am a viola myself and to see someone play it so beautifully really makes up for all the time I was ridiculed for being the only viola in my orchestra. Gorgeous playing, and stunning dynamics.

[GiggyDawg]

dude i know what your talking about! lol

[tchaik4life]

you hit the 2 impossible measures! kudos.