Week 4: Classical Crescendos 
WELCOME TO THE MAIN THREAD FOR THE LAST 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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BWV 2009 Prelude (2nd) 1st draft
I have managed to memorize this prelude and record a decent first draft. There are still many rough areas but I am fairly happy with this as a starting point. I hope to get a better recording before the watch party but that only leaves me tomorrow so i'm not sure I will get that done. I also want to change my strings for a new recording. If I do get a better recording I will post it even if it is after the watch party.
I just replaced the first 1st draft with a second 1st draft. I still have my old strings on which are getting a bit stretched out but I think this is somewhat better overall.
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Jack Stewart the draft is up this morning! I know a bit about Duarte but not enough... and the strings sounds enough good for the recording, a new set would take a few days to stretch up and have a consistent intonation across strings anyways.
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Blaise Laflamme I am relieved YT decided that I meet YT's standards.
Duarte's transcription seems pretty good except for 2-3 typo's (most likely). These were added accidentals that were pretty obviously not correct. I have not seen any other transcriptions. I have thought about getting Frank Koonce's Cello transcriptions. I have his Lute and Violin transcriptions and like them. However, Koonce divides the Cello suites into 2 collections so are twice as expensive.
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Jack Stewart well... that happens with some publishers when they sell those suites in blocks or individually instead of the whole set together at a better ratio price. I've seen them on Amazon recently and arranged by Stanley Yates, could be interesting?
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Jack Stewart yeah YT adapted their standards after watching your first «first draft»
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Blaise Laflamme Yates transcribes the 3rd suite to G major rather than A major
(he also transcribes the 1st suite to C major rather than D major). I was reluctant to give up the low E - D in the 1st suite) so I didn't pursue his transcription. I do think his work would be very well researched, though. -
Jack Stewart Sounds great Jack! I also agree with Blaise about the strings - they seem fine for recording now, unless you have a quick reliable method for stretching them. I know how frustrating it can be during a fairly long and complex piece which sounds great with new strings, but fails to maintain intonation somewhere during the piece. I would generally wait a few days with the new strings before starting the recording.
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Barney Thanks Barney. It seems I exhausted myself getting the recording I got. I couldn't seem to play anything today. So I am forced to allow the strings some extra time. Besides, my wife has a list of things for me to do, so all is for the better.
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Jack Stewart that was marvelous Jack! I really enjoyed your interpretation!
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A Little Story by Prokofiev
My daughter played this piano piece decades ago. I liked it so I transcribed it. For this challenge I managed to find the manuscript. I didn't memorize the whole piece, just the more challenging parts (in the sense that they are tough for me to sigh read). I used Cam.On, a free APP on Mac, to record it. Turned out it's tough to get everything right in recording! In some takes I lost concentration and messed up some easy passages! There are some buzz and muted notes. I'm running out of time to post the video so will have to make do with this version.
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Kuorong Chiang That was great, Kuorong. Your performance and recording were very good. And great job on the transcription. I have never heard this piece by Prokofiev. It was very interesting. Great job and welcome to Tonebase and the community challenges.
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Kuorong Chiang Welcome to the challenge Kuorong and you're doing great, bravo! There are so many ways to record audio and video, the most important is to find your way and enjoy the process! I hope to see and hear you in upcoming events and challenges!
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Jack Stewart Thanks for the warm welcome. You played a much more demanding piece and did a great job! I'm glad to find so many like minded people here :-)
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Blaise Laflamme Thanks for the encouragement. Your played the challenge piece very well and the sound was incredible.
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Kuorong Chiang Thank you, that was an easy piece!
... and for recording audio and video all started with our host Martin's course on it, take a look and you won't regret. -
Blaise Laflamme Thanks for the pointer. Will check it out. Cheers.
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
