Klarinet Archive - Posting 000159.txt from 1996/03

From: R Adam Pease <R_Adam_Pease@-----.GOV>
Subj: Reger Op 107
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 1996 11:10:55 -0500

Hi folks,
I'm working on the Reger Sonata Op 107 for a future recital and I have
some questions on tempo. Especially in the last movement but also in the
second, my pianist and I differ somewhat in what tempo we feel comfortable
with musically.
In the first movement I find that I like to start at about quarter@-----.
I speed up significantly at the agitato sections (about 92). Returning
to about 76 for the remaining non-agitato sections.
In the second movement I am at 126. The third movement feels best to
me a bit slower than marked - about eighth@-----.
It is the fourth movement that is of most concern. I am happy with the
marked tempo. However, the piano part is thick with notes and
certainly a case can be made that it doesn't sound grazioso at that tempo.
However, I would reply that does sound vivace as marked in parentheses.
My pianist also pointed out in an edition of piano works by Reger a note
which says that Reger considered his tempo markings to be "upper limits"
to what the tempo played should be.
I realize that tempo is a very personal thing. Can other people who
have performed this work let me know what their personal preferences are?
Has anyone else read further about Reger's views on tempo markings?

thanks,
Adam Pease
pease@-----.gov