Tan Dun "Youtube Symphony" (viola)

First part of my audition for the Youtube Symphony Orchestra project. For anyone not familiar with the Tan Dun piece, the bit where I'm staring at the floor is just a very long rest for the violas. :)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 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.

[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!

[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.

[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]

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)!