Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 1997/06

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: orchestral excerpts
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 11:28:20 -0400

On Wed, 25 Jun 1997 Ariadne49@-----.com wrote:

> I was wondering what you all feel is the best book of orchestral excerpts
> (name, author, edition, publisher please if you have it). I would really
> appreciate suggestions as I am looking to audition for graduate school in 2
> years and would like to begin work on excerpts... Also, iI am looking into
> audtioning for the major music conservatories and would like to know which
> excerpts are asked for the most at these auditions... Thank you...
> Noelle
>
Probably the most-used excerpt books are those published by International
Music Corp., in a total of 8 volumes. Volumes 1 and 2 cover the majority
of the "asked-for" repertoire. Any major music distributor should either
have these or be able to get them for you.

I would hasten to add, however, that excerpt books are not really the best
way to learn -- it's much better if you can get the actual parts (or
photocopies of parts, if they are public domain) and see where the
passages fit into the grand scheme of the work in question. (Sure, the
solo in the fourth movement of Sibelius #1 looks easy -- but when you
actually play the entire piece, you find yourself a bit tired and having
pitch troubles on those low notes because of it!)

Some commonly asked for works:

Beethoven #6, mvmts. 1, 2 & 3 solos
Beethoven #8, trio in scherzo
Brahms #3, mvmts. 1 & 2 solos
Mendelssohn #3, mvmt. 2 opening solo
Mendelssohn, Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol
Respighi, Pines of Rome, mvmt. 3 solo
Stravinsky, Firebird Suite

Well, my brain is rather tired this morning, so that's all I can garner,
but rest assured, there are many more!!

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu