
I was wondering if any here has played the Mahler 1st Symphony. Yesterday, the audition material for the Kentucky All State Inter-Collegiate Orchestra was announced. The audition material, is the first three movements of the Mahler 1st Symphony. We have to play all of it. Crazy.
The reason I am going ballistic, is because the material and due date was finalized this past weekend, but the audition recordings are due [to be handed in to our university representative] by Monday OCTOBER 1st.
I have 6 days to learn the music, do a recording, and hand it in. At least everyone in the state is in the same boat. Less than a week to learn the music. There are only four spots available [four flutes, two of which double on piccolo]. One could say that it is a relief that the music isn't ridiculously difficult, but that makes style all the more important.
So, if anyone here has played it I would really appreciate ANY tips on ANY aspect of the Symphony. Even if you havent played it, but have heard it live, or many recordings, any advice would be of use.
Thus far, I have approached it rationally, and worked through the first two movements with a metronome, and it is all up to a performance tempo. There are a few shaky spots, but they will be rock solid by Sunday.
Otherwise, if anyone has any tips for learning music rapidly [ Learning music well, and rapidly... an oxymoron... I know


All the best,
fluteguy