Klarinet Archive - Posting 001112.txt from 1998/07

From: Craig Earl Countryman <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Audition piece
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 01:24:08 -0400

Some things that come to mind as being good to demonstrate tone:

Willson Osborne: Rhapsody for Clarinet
This is pretty easy note wise, but requires well thought out interpretation
of phrasing and dynamics. It is unaccompanied, so it cuts down on all that
rehearsal with the piano that can be so time consuming.

Second Movements of Weber's Concertos and Weber's String Quintet
These are really beautiful pieces that reflect, in my opinion, Weber's
operatic, singing style. I prefer the second movement of Weber's 2nd Concerto,
but the Fantasia from his String Quintet is quite beautiful as well.

Second Movement of Stamitz's First Clarinet Concerto:
I like this piece a lot and it really isn't THAT technically challenging.
Again, it is all about phrasing and dynamics. Also, there is a big cadenza at
the end that allows for some artistic freedom and a time to "strut your stuff" :)

First Section of the Copland Concerto:
I don't know if you would want to do this, but I really enjoy the slow
beginning of the Copland Concerto. It is a relatively long piece (about 7 min or
so). It is gorgeous though and really allows you to express yourself. There are
some big intervals in there (octave jumps and onward), but it is a good piece to
have in your repertoire anyway. I wouldn't suggest continuing through the
cadenza and fast section because you don't have never enough time.

All of these pieces are Adagio or along those lines. I think you may also want
to try some faster pieces, but distinguish your tone in those. One of the best
to do that is the Poulenc Sonata, because there are some sustained passages in
the faster movements of that work so not only can you prove your technical
abilities, but you can show-off your tone as well.

Whatever you decide, I would be sure to pick out something you are sure you can
master. If you have any doubts, then I would go for something you can play
perfectly, rather than a REALLY hard piece you can play so-so. The best advice I
ever got was from my tuba instructor, "Whatever you play, play it perfectly."

Good luck :)

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Craig Earl Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711/
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