Sometimes its good to remember that a long term chamber ensemble is a relationship. A complex, four person relationship. In some senses, this is a professional work group, much like a focus group at a company, but it is also very different. Music is so personal, and a quartet demands a singular personal experience from four people. This means that we basically have to be best friends that work together in order to deliver that kind of performance.
There are rehearsals where we really gel. Everything is working, and we're making great progress on our pieces, and we really feel accomplished at the end of rehearsal. There are also rehearsals where everyone ends up frustrated and there are a few glares going around. And everything in between. The great thing is that the varying experiences with rehearsals is totally normal, but if the negative-leaning rehearsals become common, it ought to be addressed.
That is exactly what we did this week. Sometimes, in order to allow for a productive rehearsal environment, it is necessary to talk things out. It will save time and frustration in the long run. It is often just enough to ask everyone to share what is frustrating them, whether it is in the quartet or not. This makes sure everyone knows what everyone else is going through, which makes everyone easier to work with. We are now looking forward to a positive, productive rehearsal for the rest of the week!
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