I haven't played this properly for a long time but re-visited it at the weekend. I think it needs more work in the second half as I have obviously spent more time working on the first half which is easier to fall back into.

I haven't had lessons on this particular piece for years but I will be polishing it up for my Trinity Grade 8 exam this summer. I'm aiming to do my performance diploma on cello but need a Grade 8. This is a means to an end, I only ever wanted to be able to perform so that is more meaningful goal for me. I need a tangible target otherwise I won't put the practice in. I've never done a post-Grade 8 qualification so it's all new territory for me and if I can just get this exam done...

I did extensive viola practice before doing some cello recording. That probably exacerbated the problem as the string crossing sometimes didn't feel 'right' or as I remembered.

This is my benchmark piece, I always wanted to play it and now I'll be playing it in my exam and in a public recital in my local music festival. I'd better get practicing!

This is a bad take of my progress at 3.75 years of lessons which in the grand scheme of things isn't long at all. I squeeze in lessons and practice when I'm not working a full-time office job doing non-musical things to help fund my obsession with learning.

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