Klarinet Archive - Posting 000266.txt from 2000/11

From: Ann H Satterfield <klarann@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Instructions (was diminuendo, etc)
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 23:20:35 -0500

On Sat, 4 Nov 2000 15:15:55 -0800 (PST) Bilwright@-----.net (William
Wright) writes:
> Given the historical ambiguity of many tempo instructions, and
also
> the need to give the performer some latitude to 'make the music his
> own', is there an established Italian instruction which says "at the
> faster end of the range for this tempo" or "at the slower end of the
> range for this tempo" (rather than using a specific metronome rate)?

>

When I am in doubt about a tempo, I like to experiment--faster, slower.
Usually there will be a pulse that :
comes to life,
makes sense,
feels right,
flows.

To help narrow down the choices, I check both the fastest note passages,
and the most common rhythmic unit.

And i sing (or chant the rhythm) to check that i am not allowing
technical difficulties determine the tempo.

There is a balance between respecting the composer's instructions and
becoming too literal and dogmatic.

This is another of the subtleties of music that are far easier to
demonstrate than write about.

annhall
`````Ann Satterfield```(Central Florida, USA)```
Principal Clarinet, Imperial Symphony
Music (Librarian & Personnel) Manager, ISO
Adjunct Faculty, Polk Community College
Assistant Instrumental Music, PCC

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