Klarinet Archive - Posting 000652.txt from 2003/09

From: "John P. Varineau" <jvarineau@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Some Note Questions
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 21:14:23 -0400

Regarding your note questions about Ravel's Alborada del Gracioso:

Somehow our note discussion got over to the entire clarinet list. This
is probably good so that it will be in the archives in case clarinetists
of the future have the same questions.

Unless Ravel is having fun with a modal repetition of the material at
rehearsal 7, your key signature change two before 28 is incorrect. The
strings, harps and trombones change back to the key of two sharps two
before 28. Since you are on the A clarinet, your signature should have
only 1 flat, as at rehearsal 7. Curiously, ALL of the woodwind parts
have the wrong key signature (concert 1 sharp)!

As per the fifth measure of reh. 23: The strings and horns are playing a
sounding C-sharp through the first six eighth notes of the measure, so
your E-flats are correct throughout those six beats, EXCEPT for the E
natural on beat 3 which coincides with a D-natural in the bassoon. There
are no D naturals throughout the orchestra on beat 6.

The triplet on beat 8 of the same measure is a D dominant (D, F-sharp, A,
C-natural). Curiously, there are simultaneously sounding C-sharps and
C-naturals on the first note of that triplet! Flute, 2nd bassoon, 3rd
horn, 1st violins have C natural. 2nd trumpet, 2nd violins, 2nd cellos
have C-sharp! I feel your triplet should have an E-natural. Your
E-natural coincides with a D-natural in the second violas. There are no
D-flats (C-sharps) sounding on the third note of that triplet.

If you want to have some fun with your conductor, ask "it" [him/her]
about the note on beat 6 of 2 measures before reh. 24. You are on the
B-flat horn and playing a notated F-sharp against the
strings/oboe/bassoons/horns sounding D-sharp. This should probably be an
F-natural. Maybe the change has been made in your part already. (The
second clarinet D-natural goes very nicely with the B-sharp in the rest
of the parts.)

If your orchestra is playing off clean parts you're in for a rough
rehearsal! Methinks these parts are full of enough errors to make even
Kalmus blush. I recollect seeing somewhere a full list of errata for
this piece (probably a compilation by Niewig of the Philadelphia
Orchestra Library). I just not sure if I have it -- and if I do, if I
can find it!

John Varineau
Associate Conductor, Grand Rapids Symphony
Conductor, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony

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