Cho Liang-Lin Masterclass (Montecito International Music Festival) Wieniawski: Scherzo Tarantella

After a lengthy auditioning process at Montecito’s international music festival, I was one of four violinists chosen to play for world-class soloist, Rice violin chair, and Juilliard professor Cho Liang-Lin. This was one of the most eye opening musical opportunities for me in many ways, and easily one of the most memorable in all my years of playing. Mr. Lin has always been one of my musical heroes growing up, and after this masterclass, is even more so. I played Wieniawski’s Scherzo Tarantella. Enjoy!

[@guidog3068]

The fast attack on the up stroke almost like a colle transformed the sound and character immediately, amazing! I too couldn’t understand why some passages had good intonation and others went ropey. And he’s so right about transmitting the energy and character of the music, I think as string players we focus so much on technique that we can sometimes loose the wood for the trees.

[@samvaillancourtmusic]

Absolutely, technique and musical instincts are indeed one interconnected system!! His advice was extremely helpful 🙏

[@alankorea4721]

Cho Liang-Lin is a genius himself and fortunately not pretentious, like a lot of others.

[@samvaillancourtmusic]

He's incredible in every way imaginable.

[@shadowpvps4271]

I can hear the sound clarity improve throughout the lesson! Good stuff!

[@samvaillancourtmusic]

Thanks man!!

[@kehwa]

Mr. Lin is an inspirational teacher and world class performer, but doesn't necessarily go over fundamental technique. I'm speaking from experience because I've had a few lessons from him before, but I'm also not trying to bash his teaching style. It's great for students that are already great. Unfortunately, for a lot of great performers they can't explain how to sound great, because they have always sounded great for the majority of their lives. It's like trying to explain how to breathe to someone.

[@samvaillancourtmusic]

I totally understand what you mean, he’s unbelievably amazing for those who already have a solid foundation….. I’ll be forever grateful for his advice.

[@cool9342]

This is a masterclass. Technicalities are for private lessons and practice