Klarinet Archive - Posting 000051.txt from 2008/04

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Schubert 8th Symphony - 3/4 or 6/8?
Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:49:42 -0400


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Roger Hewitt [mailto:rogerclarinet@-----.uk]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 10:24 AM
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: RE: [kl] Schubert 8th Symphony - 3/4 or 6/8?
>
> This is interesting. I have always thought of the Schubert in 3/4 and
> find it very disruptive to think of it any other way, but I can see
> Forest's argument.
>
> One of the prime examples (in my experience) of the conflict leading to
> altered conducting is Bernstein's America from West Side Story. I have
> always seen this notated in 6/8, but many conductors, myself included,
> conduct this as 6/8 then 3/4 in alternate bars for most of the time
> with the odd exception bar here and there. But there is one bar that
> causes dispute. I have onle ever met one conductor who steadfastly
> conducted in 2. But there is definitely not "right" way, unless ...
> does anyone know what Bernstein himself did?
>
> I think the answer depends on whether conducting a different way
> successfully leads to a different result that the conductor is after.
> And, of course, sometimes you have to help an inexperienced band in the
> way that a professional crew would not need.
>
> Just my few pennyworth,
> Roger H
>

Roger's points are good. Conductors have a primary job to communicate. Often
in this kind of situation, they have choices.
I've had conductors try the alternatives in rehearsal and select the method
least disruptive to a particular group of musicians. They may do something
different with the next orchestra they work with. Hopefully conductors,
knowing their orchestra (hopefully right), will pick the method helping the
weakest section/player get through these difficult measures with complex
rhythms.
It's difficult to please everyone when these sorts of places occur in a
score.

Note: another place this technique might be employed is when articulation
marks confuse/add complexity to the fundamental rhythm. Erik eluded to this
in his mention of syncopation......

Keep those small units internalized!!! And go with the flow.

Forest

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