Klarinet Archive - Posting 000061.txt from 2005/09

From: Tony Pay <tony.p@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] Interpretation of Music
Date: Wed, 07 Sep 2005 15:53:13 -0400

On 7 Sep, Retired Prof 55 <retiredprof55@-----.net> wrote:

> If you are looking for a resource to assist in the interpretation of=20
> music beyond what is written on the page...

This initially rang warning bells for me.

We are looking for a resource to assist finding the music that CORRESPOND=
S
TO THE TEXT THAT IS WRITTEN ON THE PAGE.

> then you may be interested in my new book, "A Composer's Guide to
> Understanding Music with Activities for Listeners, Interpreters, and
> Composers". After a discussion of musical components from the viewpoint=
of
> a composer, various activities are presented. Below a few samples of th=
e
> activities that are designed to help interpreters

...very good...

> with adding something special to their performance.

AAGH! What we need like a hole in the head is more performers ADDING
SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THEIR PERFORMANCE!!!

But, give him a chance, hang on, he's not finished yet...
=20
> From Chapter II =96 Timbre - Imagine your or your musician's part being=
=20
> orchestrated. For example, does the line that is being played on trombo=
ne
> have the character of a typical bassoon line? If so, try to imitate the=

> sound of a bassoon on the trombone.

Good idea.

> Observe how you change the amplitude over time factor of timbre.

This might mean that the note decays on the different instruments in
different ways. Though I don't know exactly what he means here, I'm
definitely interested in finding out.
=20
> From Chapter X =96 Melody - Using a piece of music that you are studyin=
g,=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.
>=20
> From 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.

All of this seems to me to be possibly good stuff.
=20
> About the Book:
>=20
> The purpose of this book is to provide insight into the compositional
> process to enable listeners, interpreters, and creators of music to adv=
ance
> their skills through a series of guided activities. Listeners can use =
this
> book to increase their musical understanding and appreciation. Developi=
ng
> performers, educators and conductors can use this book to gain valuable=

> insights to assist them with interpreting music beyond what is printed=
on
> the page. Developing composers can use this book as a beginning text or=
to
> help refine their compositional techniques.

> Each chapter is divided into descriptive material that includes some
> discovery activities to assist in the learning process. A CD containing=

> MIDI performances of most of the examples used in the chapters is inclu=
ded.
> The descriptive material is followed by separate activities for listene=
rs,
> interpreters, and composers. 74 pages.

...and I can buy all of that.

> Purchase of the book entitles the reader to join a free on-line discuss=
ion
> group that is moderated by the author. It is a place to share experienc=
es,
> comments and questions regarding subjects that are covered in the book =
and
> to respond to other reader=92s posts. The author will also contribute t=
o the
> discussions.

That seems to me to be good too.

Apart from the reservations at the beginning, I thikn I'll buy the book.

> Available from:
>=20
> 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

I'll let you know what I think....

Tony
--=20
_________ Tony Pay =20
|ony:-) 79 Southmoor Rd tony.p@-----.org
| |ay Oxford OX2 6RE http://classicalplus.gmn.com/artist=
s
tel/fax 01865 553339
=20
... Don't worry. I forgot your name, too!

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