Klarinet Archive - Posting 000044.txt from 2004/02

From: Erik Tkal <bbtkal@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Rhythmic Help Needed
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 10:46:56 -0500

Howard,

How about not trying to think of it through words, but just try to feel the piece? First of all, I assume you mean No. 6 in the Studies (I have the David Hite version, and Etude No. 6 is in 2/4, but Study No. 6 has what you describe).

Start by playing 2 32nd notes instead of the first 16th, and just repeat that phrase, ignoring the triplets for now. [Dut-dut (uh) dut] [dut-dut (uh) dut], etc, getting faster and faster until you have the feel of the spacing. The merge the 32nds back into the 16th note - [duuh (uh) dut] [duuh (uh) dut]... You have to mentally put the space of the 32nd rest in there or, like you say, you might slip into the triplet feel.

The work on following that rhythm with the 16th note triplets, noting and maintaining the difference in feel. Over time you will get the hang of it.

Erik Tkal

At 01:11 PM 2/4/2004 -0500, Howard Bleich wrote:
>Gentlepersons,
>
>I am a beginner who lacks rhythm and can't count. My previous teacher had
>words for rhythms. In 6/8 th time, to play a dotted quarter note, an eighth
>note, and then a quarter, he told me to think "Amsterdam." He used to say,
>"If you can't say it, you can't play it."
>
>My present teacher wants me to play the Rose Etude No. 6 (Book 1, From the
>French School). In 3/4 time, it has measures that consist of 16th and 32nd
>notes, and 32nd rests, that interleave with measures of 16th notes in
>triplet rhythm. My tendency is to slip it all into triplet rhythm.
>
>Does anyone know of words that I can think to help me play this infernal
>etude? Words that will beat a 16th note, 32nd rest, 32nd note; 16th note,
>32nd rest, 32nd note, etc., without slipping into triplet rhythm?
>
>With much appreciation.
>
>Howard Bleich, MD

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