Monday, March 09, 2009

Paula Robison Vivaldi & Godard films from 1978

A wonderful rendition of the slow mvmt. from Vivaldi's "Goldfinch" or "Il Gardellino".
Recorded in 1978 with Paula Robison solo flute:



The Godard Valse is also quite amazing (good breath marks):



Shoulder motions a bit tense, but lovely full sound and incredible fleetness. Love the Vivaldi especially for the ornaments and tenderness. Enjoy!

Best,
Jen
Comments (5)
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Interesting videos Jen. Paula's a wonderful player. What do you think of the interesting RH thumb position. I don't think I have ever seen a thumb this far to the right almost below the d key>

Monday, March 09, 2009 11:39:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Hi Matt,
Actually I've seen quite a few thumbs like that. Not all of us have two tendons for the ring and pinky fingers. For some hand shapes a diagonal thumb position can make F# alot easier, especially with multiple changes from F# to E. For others, spreading the thumb outward and turning the wrist clockwise slightly helps more; all depends....
Jen :>)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:28:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bellissimi documenti, sono affascinato dall'abilità e dal carattere esressivo di Paula.
Grazie Jennifer!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:08:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have always loved Paula's playing. I have seen her perform and teach live a few times and this is the first time I have ever seen the tension in her shoulders. I wonder if it was due to the dress, those skinny straps, fear of it falling? Also, these videos are from quite some time ago. The last time I saw her live in performance was back in 1994 and she made me love the Chaminade Concertino again. I had heard it performed horribly many times and was just so tired of the piece. Her performance made it fresh for me again. Now at least I can play it for its beauties, I try not to teach it. There are so many other pieces in the FMFC book that are great for technique, tone, and breath control.

Friday, March 20, 2009 10:58:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

Hi John,
I don't think it's the dress. I think it's the erroneous notion that was going around in the '70s that there was a half-gallon of extra air space at the very top of the lungs (not true; not useful.)
But yes, she might have been nervous, and then later might have seen the shoulder tension and eliminated it. That's one of the many bonuses of recording yourself on video.
You see your tensions and can then get rid of them.
Best,
Jen

Friday, March 20, 2009 11:05:00 AM

 

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