Pupils have brought the advice of a famous composer to life in a series of four short films inspired by the book Robert Schumann’s Advice to Young Musicians Revisited by Steven Isserlis. Practising is the first film in the series, which highlights the journey of four of the pupils at St Mary’s Music School as they move towards mastery of their chosen instruments.
Four pupils describe what music means to them and how passionate they feel about their daily practising, leading up to live performance. The six minute film also includes insights from Paul Stubbings, Director of Music and William Conway, Artistic Director. The music featured in Practising is Vaclav Trojan’s Fairy Tales for accordion and orchestra and Suite on English Folk Songs by Benjamin Britten for a small orchestra.
Commenting on Practising, Dr Kenneth Taylor, Headteacher, said:
“St Mary’s Music School is delighted to have the opportunity to bring the advice of Robert Schumann and Steven Isserlis to life. Practising, the first film, highlights the work of the fine young musicians we nurture and inspire in the school and shows how their innate musical gifts are honed as they practise in the lead-up to public performance. The films showcase the work of the school and the journey of our pupils and will be available to view on our website.
“One of the greatest composers of the romantic era, Robert Schumann was far ahead of his time, not least in his attitude to children and young people. His music anticipated a multitude of trends that would spread in the 150 years after his death; almost every major composer who followed him acknowledged his influence.
“Steven Isserlis, one of Britain's great musicians and tireless advocate for music education, generously partnered with the School to make films that give in-depth insight into the discipline, talent and practice that help develop musicianship. We are honoured that Steven is featured in the second of our films Playing, providing his own advice on performance.”