Duetting, With Myself

Perhaps I am slow to embrace technology. Yes, I had thoughts that I should have been doing this sort of thing already. I considered doing it some years ago and then never got around to it. Kind of lazy. Learning how to edit videos seemed almost overwhelming. In actuality, using iMovie has not been all that bad.

I am enjoying the self-duetting, even the editing itself. Although I am still just using basic software, it is proving to be quite a time. I really do hope to upgrade so I can get a better result. The mics and Audio Interface are both sufficient for now. However, I would really like to upgrade the Digital Audio Workstation and the video editor. 

When I see the great results of serious Youtubers it just makes me think about my results. What could I do with better equipment? I believe it would have some great effects. 

Duet With Myself

James Hook (1746-1827) was an English composer. Little music is listed in IMSLP but this set of six duets, Op. 58, was there. It has proven to be a delightful bunch of duets. I most recently posted two videos on Youtube of the same Op. 58 No. 2, Allegro moderato. The first was relaxed, taking its time. The second recording, an up-tempo with forward motion. 

The exercise was more akin to getting more confidence. I was not so sure I could play that fast. Indeed, there are some spots that need more attention in my playing, but the effect is what I was looking for. 

Take a listen:

Cello Duets

James Hook 1746-1827

IMSLP

    This is James Hook, an English composer and organist. The duets I will write about are his Op. 58 in which there are six duets. (This set of 6 was a common practice in those days. Think of many of J.S. Bach's works: 6 French Suites, 6 English Suites, 6 Suites for Solo Cello, 6 Brandenburg Concertos, etc.)

     The works in question are really only possible to write about because of the wonderful website, IMSLP. Without it, there would have been zero chance of finding them. J. Hook is a completely unknown composer to me. However, after reading through his Cello Duets Op.58, I have found a delightful set.

     They are not ground-breaking and I am sure there were not meant to be. They sound as though they were meant to delight the player and soothe the audience. By the sounds of them, I would venture to guess that they could have doubled as much for ambient dinner party music as they could for teaching material.

Please go have a listen to me performing both parts of Op.58 No.1 Tempo di menuetto at my Youtube channel.

James Hook Cello Duet Op. 58 Nr. 1 Tempo di Menuetto

Wikipedia