Back in Rome again, with some random pictures from my week in Cacciano.

Here’s Davi, a new friend.

Looking down on the old castle streets.

Everything they say about the Tuscan light is true.

The lovely Rocio, about to play Brahms. Note the magic pants.

Mimi and Janette working with Jocelyne on her Hindemith.

So now I can’t wait to:

1) immediately begin incorporating so many of the things I have learned here, and also “translate” the ideas and repertoire into their cello equivalents. (You guys think I love Schroeder now? Oh, just you wait!)

2) get back to LA and my own cello.

3) see Lucy and my friends who have been so thoughtfully taking care of her. (handmade local olive oil and wine for them)

4) visit Mimi at Bloomington and sit in on lessons with Susan Moses. (yes, that means a real live Midwest tour)

5) make the last revisions to the book. It’s so lucky that I had to move and deal with all of the summer distractions: my text would be less useful without the contributions from this session.

6) attend some USC football practices. Pete Carroll is the Mimi Zweig of football. Football is the technique of life.

Last night, we performed at a winery just down the road. (keep an eye out for a Thirsty Cellist post) I played the slow movement of Chopin, a sonata I have avoided studiously, because its lines seem more cut out for piano. Working with Mimi on shifts has made the fingerboard feel smaller, and I have gained back a little of my identity as a player after being taught for just a week.

Funny how that happens.