Klarinet Archive - Posting 000942.txt from 1998/05

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Wind Ensemble
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 23:13:21 -0400

On Sat, 16 May 1998, Craig E. Countryman wrote:
>
> 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

Craig,

If you examine the scores for each of the Holst Suites, you will notice
there are 2 oboe parts, the Eb Clarinet part in the first suite has two
parts for the beginning of the second movement, 2 Eb Alto parts,
Baritone Sax (in the editions available for the past 40), and the tuba
part has doubled octaves at times....requiring at least two players. The
percussion parts are: Snare, Bass Drum, Cymbal, Triangle, Suspended
Triangle, Timpani

> 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.

A "military band" is defined as the English version of the American Band -
that is - a full size ensemble....not one to a part.

> 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.

And......what was the Holst Suite in F composed for, and what size band
played it?

> 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.

Yes....you are correct....it generally refers........however, the original
poster really was looking for a rule or definition......

You have a good start on the basics of the band instrumentation....I
especially appreciate your understanding for the need for flexibility when
it comes to a school program.......

Roger Garrett
IWU

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