Klarinet Archive - Posting 000060.txt from 2005/09

From: Retired Prof 55 <retiredprof55@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Interpretation of Music
Date: Wed, 07 Sep 2005 14:35:34 -0400

If you are looking for a resource to assist in the interpretation of=20
music beyond what is written on the page then you may be interested in=20=

my new book, "A Composer=92s Guide to Understanding Music with =
Activities=20
for Listeners, Interpreters, and Composers". After a discussion of=20
musical components from the viewpoint of a composer, various activities=20=

are presented. Below a few samples of the activities that are designed=20=

to help interpreters with adding something special to their performance.

=46rom Chapter II =96 Timbre - Imagine your or your musician=92s part =
being=20
orchestrated. For example, does the line that is being played on=20
trombone have the character of a typical bassoon line? If so, try to=20
imitate the sound of a bassoon on the trombone. Observe how you change=20=

the amplitude over time factor of timbre.

=46rom Chapter X =96 Melody - Using a piece of music that you are =
studying,=20
locate the main motifs of the melodies. Observe where the composer=20
develops these motives in your music and emphasize the similarities and=20=

differences in your performance.

=46rom Chapter XV =96 Inspiration - Using a piece of music you are=20
studying, that does not have an extra-musical association, create a=20
story line (detailed program notes) that you feel is appropriate for=20
the piece. You can even put words to important motives. Observe any=20
differences in your performance after doing this.

About the Book:

The purpose of this book is to provide insight into the=20
compositional process to enable listeners, interpreters, and creators=20
of music to advance their skills through a series of guided activities.=20=

Listeners can use this book to increase their musical understanding and=20=

appreciation. Developing performers, educators and conductors can use=20
this book to gain valuable insights to assist them with interpreting=20
music beyond what is printed on the page. Developing composers can use=20=

this book as a beginning text or to help refine their compositional=20
techniques.
Each chapter is divided into descriptive material that includes=20=

some discovery activities to assist in the learning process. A CD=20
containing MIDI performances of most of the examples used in the=20
chapters is included. The descriptive material is followed by separate=20=

activities for listeners, interpreters, and composers. 74 pages.
Purchase of the book entitles the reader to join a free on-line=20=

discussion group that is moderated by the author. It is a place to=20
share experiences, comments and questions regarding subjects that are=20
covered in the book and to respond to other reader=92s posts. The author=20=

will also contribute to the discussions.

About the Author:

Sy Brandon is a composer, educator, and performer with over forty years=20=

of experience. His compositions have received international recognition=20=

through competitions, performances, and recordings. His varied=20
educational career has included teaching elementary school instrumental=20=

music, university teaching, guest residencies, and adult education as a=20=

Commonwealth Speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. He has=20
performed as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral musician=20
throughout the United States. He has authored articles that have=20
appeared in professional journals.

Reviews:

"Sy Brandon's =91A Composer's Guide to Understanding Music=92 is a=20
wonderful and provocative =91hands-on=92 assessment of a subject often=20=

viewed as too technical. Readers learn step by step HOW to listen and=20
WHAT to listen FOR in a musical work. There is clarity in Brandon's=20
compilation and the accompanying CD of short musical examples from=20
works by the author/composer clearly illustrates all the topics in the=20=

text point by point. More than simply another text on composing, the=20
reader's fascination is propelled forward by the author's enthusiasm=20
and passion for the subject. Highly recommended!"
Robert Levy, Professor Emeritus (Director of Bands), Lawrence=20
University (1979-04)

"Simply put, it=92s a good read and it works. You should be commended on=20=

your abilities as a writer, educator, and communicator. Your book is=20
great resource and I have enjoyed it very much. Well done!"
Chuck Hulihan, Director of Guitar Programs, Glendale Community College,=20=

Guitarist with Duozona

"A Composer's Guide to Understanding Music is an academic yet=20
user-friendly guide for anyone seeking the tools necessary to create=20
original sounds, and provides deeper analysis for listeners who want to=20=

better appreciate "art" music. =85 a very useful reference book that any=20=

music teacher, music director, professional or even amateur musician=20
will find helpful."
Larry Coressel, Production Manager, Host of Morning Concert and =
New=20
Music, Dayton Public Radio

Available from:

Co-op Press, P.O. Box 204, Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
http://cooppress.hostrack.net
$20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Text book adoption copies, bookstore and library discounts available
ISBN 0-9772921-0-X

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org