Great old videos of some of the titans of conducting. Every orchestral musician should watch this.
This is a video of Bruce Lee doing a screen test at the very beginning of his American film career.
[video was removed, but can now be found at http://mysp.ac/11kRjje]
Watch especially from about 4:30, when he starts demonstrating kung fu. Notable details: speed, fluidity, and economy of motion; stillness and ease in the parts of his body not in use; balance and poise: a true master of himself. Also interesting is his description of kung fu starting at 2:00: images of water and flexibility that, in my opinion, apply well to playing the cello. Bruce Lee’s deep study of martial arts led him to many truths of self-mastery. A fantastic read: http://bit.ly/TaoOfJeetKuneDo
David Finckel on the variable and excellent vibrato of the renowned baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Watch Pedersen (the bassist), especially from about 3:24:
- ease and fluidity of motion
- effortless, smooth shifting
- multi-finger pizz technique
Cellists can learn a lot from bassists.
A good introduction to some Alexander Technique ideas from Lori Schiff, with whom I have had the privilege of studying AT.
