Klarinet Archive - Posting 000069.txt from 1998/01

From: "Craig E. G. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: rapid fingering help!!
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 1998 11:20:23 -0500

Sarah wrote:

"...so I was wondering if anyone had some short pieces that I could be
working on that are still challenging."

I'd use the time to work out some Rose Etudes. They are rather short
but can be very challenging. If you've already done a lot with them try
to add some new dynamics, expression, etc. On the fast etudes go for
more speed. I love to play them, but I find I don't have time with all
the solos I need to prepare plus school and the academic work I have.
Sometimes its nice to be able to relax and not have to play solos. They
are a lot of fun, but I know I could use a break every now and then.

Also, maybe you could work out some scales and get them blazing fast.
You always need to play them for auditions, and since you can't do much
of anything else this could be an idea. Or, if you are satisfied with
your majors you could add the melodic, natural, and harmonic minors to
your repetoire as well.

Moreover, maybe you could use normal practice time to listen to
recordings of solo works you are interested in pursuing in the future,
or orchestral works. I always like to follow the piano part when
listening to concertos so that I can get an idea of what the
accompaniment is doing and how it fits into my part. You can analyze
the chords and see where the composer is trying to create and release
tension, things that may not be blatantly evident from just the solo
part. You may find some new insights that you can use when you are
fully recovered.

Get well soon :)

-------------------------------------
Craig Countryman
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711
ICQ Uin: 1106304

Quote of the Day:

"Why do you take by force that
which you could obtain by love?"
-Powhatan