Next Monday // May 2!

We all know that the principal works on this concert are the SPRING SUITE and HEBREW LOVE SONGS.  But where to focus?  Here are some suggestions:
SPRING SUITE:
#1~Recite the words in time; learn what your part does at the top of p. 10; If you play the piano, try playing the chords on pp. 13-14 and picking out your part. 
#2~Men: learn the opening and parallel passage on p. 9 - dare I say memorize it?; Recite words in time, especially on p. 4-5.  Women: learn the "monarch" passage where the tempo slows at m. 33 - dare I say memorize it?
#3~Sopranos: the opening page is a little tentative... because it's so exposed, let's work toward mastering that little section.  Word recitation, especially where everyone is together, bottom of p. 5-top of p. 6.
ALL THREE would profit from your being familiar with the words.  Read them from the inside front cover, then read them in rhythm through the piece. 

HEBREW LOVE SONGS:
S/A: #1 is all you.  Learn the words especially.
Sopranos: #3 is all about you... hard melody (leaps) and lots of Hebrew words.
The other three movements are pretty easy - but if these are new to you, here is a link to a good performance.  Also, check out this video in which the composer and his wife (the poet) discuss the words and their pronunciation. 

One of the keys to the success of the Bach was that a number of people took the initiative to prepare outside of the rehearsals.  We were able to sing through the work three weeks before the concert!  It made a HUGE difference in the final product.  This week is the fourth rehearsal of nine for the June program... let's see if we can conquer the notes this week... or two?  THANKS!