Klarinet Archive - Posting 000935.txt from 1998/05

From: "Craig E. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Wind Ensemble
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 23:13:14 -0400

I know that many schools, such as my own, use the term "Wind Ensemble" to denote
the "top band", if there is more than one. Perhaps it is through usage in such a
free manner that the term has come to be applied in a more general sense.

I am unfamiliar with a textbook definition of the term, and I am fairly certain
that in the state of Florida there are no such rules concerning it.

As it happens, I am listening to a recording of Holst's Second Suite in F right
now. It is being played by the Dallas Wind Symphony. I realize this is a slight
variation on the original term in question, but for what it is worth, they are
using the instrumentation of (1 on a part unless otherwise noted)

Flute/Piccolo
Eb Clarinet
Oboe
Solo or 1st Bb Clarinet, Second Bb Clarinet, Third Bb Clarinet
Eb Alto Sax
Bb Tenor Sax
2 Bassoons
Solo or 1st Cornet, Second Cornet, Third Cornet
4 Horns in Eb or F
2 Tenor Trombones
1 Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion

Now, this example is not a perfect one, because the Suite is written for "Military
Band" not "Wind Ensemble" or "Wind Symphony". However, it is important to note
because the instrumentation used is strictly in accordance is Holst's wishes. The
editor of this version Colin Matthews makes a big point of noting the composer's
wishes, and any changes he may have made and why.

The point this brings up is that the instrumentation of a professional "Wind
Ensemble" should, in my opinion, be as close to the composer's wishes as
possible. Now, as far as the school organization is concerned, it is impractical
to get together a group of 25 or 30 students for many schools. The reason for
this is that it throws the instrumentation in the rest of their groups out of
wack. So, people must be added accordingly. For instance, our school has 16 alto
saxes --I accept your condolences :) -- so to place 1 in the top band and 15 in
the second band is not really a good plan of attack.

So, the term generally refers to a group of wind instruments, but is often seen as
a small group of one or two on a part. It must be adapted to fit both the
composer's wishes, and be practical for the group performing the piece.

--------------------------------------------------
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html

"Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all
the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of
patriotism -- how passionately I hate them!"

-Albert Einstein
--------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------
For additional commands, e-mail: klarinet-help@-----.org
For other problems, e-mail: klarinet-owner@-----.org

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org