music minus one

[liszmaninopin]

Does anybody here have any experience with the Music Minus One packages?  I bought the one for Rachmaninoff's C minor concerto so I could get at least some at home practice playing along with the orchestra, but am curious what you all might think of the product.  I'll let you know what I think about it when it arrives.

[bernhard]

I don’t have any experience with them, but I do have experience with playing duets with a recording of the other instrument (in my case violin or recorder – I also often play the recorder with a recording of the piano accompaniment).

In the beginning stages it is very useful because you can develop the ear for how both parts go together, etc. It will also make sure that you are in time with the other part.

However, soon it becomes very dissatisfying. In my opinion one of the great pleasures and motivations to play duets or chamber music (in my opinion) is the feeling of symbiosis between players, especially if you have been playing together for a long time. As you change something, the other player follows (or not!). In the beginning of course, you need a lot of rehearsals and discussion about how to go about things, but after some time you really click and this is most satisfying. This will be completely absent when you use a recording, so your playing will be really metronomical.

So, yes it is useful in the initial stages, but it will become less so once you know your way around the piece, and it will definitely be spoiled once you do the real thing.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.