Imagine stepping into the audition room, your practiced solo resonating in your mind. Confident and poised, you're ready to showcase your talent. But suddenly, the adjudicator throws you a curveball: "Tell us about the history of your solo and its composer." Panic sets in. Why didn't you delve deeper into the piece's background?

Fumbling through a hasty response, you proceed with your solo, but the spark is diminished. Does this mean your chances of success are in jeopardy?

Let's rewrite this scenario. Prioritize understanding the history of your solo and the biography of its composer. Here are some invaluable pointers to ensure you triumph in the audition's history quiz.

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Confident Revelations

Imagine the scenario anew, this time armed with a wealth of knowledge about your solo and its composer. Take Antonio Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in G Minor as our guiding example.

"Before you perform your solo, tell us a brief history of the solo and its composer."

Now, you respond with unwavering confidence:

"Today, I will be performing Antonio Vivaldi's mesmerizing Violin Concerto in G Minor. Vivaldi, the renowned Italian Baroque music composer and esteemed teacher, also possessed exceptional virtuosity as a violinist. Intriguingly, he led a multifaceted life, as an ordained Catholic priest.

Vivaldi's lifespan spanned from 1678 to 1741, coinciding with the era when communities were being established in America, often based on shared religious convictions. From 1702 to 1715 and then again from 1723 to 1740, Vivaldi found employment at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. This institution served as a convent, an orphanage exclusively for girls, and a music school. The Pietà, renowned for its all-female musical ensembles during the 17th and 18th centuries, attracted visitors and patrons from across Europe. It was during his second tenure at the Pietà that Vivaldi likely composed the Concerto in G Minor, possibly dedicating it to one of his talented students. Interestingly, records indicate that Vivaldi composed five violin concertos in 1729, coinciding with this particular phase at the Pietà when his ensembles performed weekly recitals for the public.

So, transport yourself to Venice in 1729, envision the opulent recital hall of the Ospedale della Pietà, and let the enchanting notes of Antonio Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in G Minor reverberate through the ages."

Armed with historical insight, you've transformed your audition into a captivating journey through time, showcasing not just your technical skill, but also your deep understanding and appreciation of the music's context.

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Objective: Understanding the importance of knowing about the composer and times of the composition(s) you are performing.

Assignment: Imagine yourself as the charismatic host of National Public Radio's "Classics in Concert," where each musical introduction is crafted with precision and delivered with the charm of a seasoned broadcaster. As the architect of both the script and its on-air performance, your goal is to captivate the audience, ensuring they remain glued to their radios. So, whether it's the latest solo you've expertly executed or one of these timeless compositions, prepare the listener to embark on a journey of musical enchantment with you.

“It Ain’t Necessarily So” by George and Ira Gershwin

“Danzon from Three Dance Variations” by Leonard Bernstein

“The Mission (Gabriel’s Oboe)” by Ennio Morricone

Craft a captivating introduction to your selected composition, adhering to the principles of preparedness outlined in the article you've just perused. Your task is to engage your audience effectively within 90 seconds. Once your script is polished, record or film yourself delivering it with finesse. Then upload it on your iPhone or YouTube. Next send yourself the link via email for periodic review and editing, as refining your work is the cornerstone of becoming a masterful writer.

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