Week 2: Vibrations and Virtuosos 
WELCOME TO THE MAIN THREAD FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF "THE TRANSCRIPTIONS" PRACTICE CHALLENGE!
Pick a transcription that was originally composed for another instrument, like piano or violin. Don't be afraid to choose a challenging piece or explore works from composers you haven't played before.
Commit to practicing daily and share your progress with the community. Aim to practice every day and post at least two videos per week showcasing your progress. This will help you stay motivated and accountable, and also allow you to share your transcription journey with others. Whether you're tackling a complex piece, refining your skills with a piece you already play, or experimenting with new playing techniques, the community is here to support you and celebrate your achievements.
Share your favorite piece that you would like to see transcribed or your favorite recording of a transcription. This will not only inspire others in the community but also provide a rich resource of ideas for everyone to explore. Plus, it's a great way to celebrate the creativity and artistry involved in adapting music from one instrument to another.
↓ Happy Sharing! ↓
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For this challenge I decided to be brave and revisit Leyenda - Asturias by Albeniz. I studied part A many years ago, and I am learning now part B as well. I almost memorized it but still a lot of rough patches and mistakes overall, still trying to find notes on the fretboard, plus need a lot of work on the challenging barre + stretches on part A. We'll see where I can bring it by the end of the challenge :)
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Calin Lupa Thanks for choosing Leyenda. I enjoyed listening to Take#1 and a great start on this giant masterpiece!! You are truly bringing out the spirit of what Albeniz intended. Before you commit to memory what are already under your fingers, I would suggest you carefully re-visit each measure of the score. I see several places in all sections with incorrect notes. It's much easier to fix them now, rather than undoing them later. I can see and hear that you love this piece (as I do), and you will master it in a short time. I look forward to your updates.
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Barney , yes, there are a few places where I am aware I played the wrong notes, and there are probably some where I am not . Great advice to revisit the whole piece with the score in front, thank you.
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Calin Lupa What an impressive start Calin! I have started this work a couple of times over the years but never managed to get it beyond noodling. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
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Jack Stewart thank you, appreciate your encouragement.
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Barney, Jack Stewart, btw which edition / transcription do you use or recommend for Asturias?
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Calin Lupa The version I have is from a general collection, World's Favorite Solos for Classical Guitar ed. by Harvey Vinson. I have had it since the early '70s and I wouldn't trust it now.
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Calin Lupa Jack Stewart For Asturias, I use Segovia's edition, but modify the stretchy chord in upper register with the inversion John Williams uses.
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Barney Jack Stewart thanks you both, I got now the Segovia one and I'll work with that. Tonebase also has an edition, I found at least one error in it , I'll see how it differs from Segovia one.
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Calin Lupa This is such an exciting challenge. Your fingers are flying! I worked on this off and on for many years. At this point I would recommend slowing way down, like 1/2 speed or less and working very carefully , measure by measure with the score. You have the speed and facility, but I recommend giving extra attention to the transitions, and accuracy. Have fun! This one takes a lot of time and attention.
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Marilyn Blodget thank you Marilyn for your comments and suggestions. Indeed, divide and conquer! I slowed down and paid more attention to difficult passages, stretches and transitions for the past 2 weeks ( I even used the metronome
, I know , I should use it more often ...) . Things are getting better I believe, I'll post an update soon. -
Calin Lupa Awesome Calin! It’s a challenge for all of us. I need to follow my own advice!
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
