Today I had invited a singer to my master class session, to try out the Leonore's aria from Fidelio. The session was very helpful, and at the same time proved me how very difficult it is to be a good accompanist! You have to be aware of the singer's breathing all the time, never unnecessarily hurry her or hold her back, be always relaxed yourself to provoke relaxedness and good breathing in a singer etc. etc. Practically you need to know the score by heart to be with the singer 100% of the time!

Maanantain kuva

Everyone else seems to be learning a lot too. The Russian style of teaching in general works with multiple levels at the same time: Each students gets helpful advice to his specific problems. The people with tension get more and more relaxed, the people with phlegmatic hands conduct more focused and energetic. Sometimes the emphasis is on the accompaniment and the rhythm, sometimes in the melody and building the line. Sometimes Maestro Korchmar talks about breathing and transmitting energy from the center of your body. And all of this is been combined all the time, fluently moving from one topic to another! The intensity of the teaching is something quite different from what we are used to in Finland, and that is the fantastic side of it. After a short master class like this we are left with a lot of impressions, a lot of fuel to use during the following weeks and months.