ROCK - differences in playing conventional classical, and in a studio recording.
In this particular project, playing the cello was not all that different from conventional cello playing. No amplifying, no pedals, no shredding or other guitar-like gestures. But a couple of differences nevertheless:
Rhythm must be metronomical. The rest of the band are playing as one machinery, so it would sound bad if the cello did its own rubato kind of thing.
Intonation must match the band. Of course, intonation must always be matched with fellow musicians, whoever they are. In a rock band, intonation is more on the tempered side, like a piano, than the more flexible intonation of a string ensemble.
There is not much room for dynamics. A rock song is typically very condensed, so it would sound strange if the cello stuck out with its frequent changes of dynamics and subtle phrasings… Shortly put: play as flat as possible, keep a static expression.
Does this topic interest you? If that’s the case, feel free to let me know the next time we’re in touch :)
And by the way, ‘The Prisoner’ (symphonic version) is out on YouTube!