 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Ivan
Date: 2003-02-21 03:48
I go to performance a Trio recital (Violin-Clarinet-Piano), and I have to do the program notes. If you can help me... please...
Vanhal Trio Op. 25, No. 5
Satie Gymonopedies
Debussy Petite piece for clarinet and piano
Milhaud Capriccio for clarinet and ipano
Pierné Canzonetta for clarinet and piano
Rachmaninoff Vocalise
Milhaud Suite (Op. 157)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-02-21 04:40
Have you been to Groves yet?
A Google search on some of these results in mucho hits, many seem to be linked to recordings, but these often have the type of information you are seeking.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-21 09:29
Ivan...I have been writing the program notes for our orchestra for the past 15 years (you see mom and dad, I told you that Music History degree would eventually come in handy). It is something I truly enjoy doing.
Program notes are simply just to give the listener a few facts, ideas or insights to make his listening experience more enjoyable.
They are not to be written on such a scholarly level as to talk down to the reader. Keep it informative and light - it's not your Master's Thesis.
You can approach the writing a few different ways:
1. Biographical facts pertaining to the composer
2. Specific details on the history of the piece
3. A musical "play by play" of the different movements/sections of the works
4. A combination of all three
Jim's idea of using Groves is certainly a good place to start for biographical and historical information on each composer. There are also a number of books which would fall under the general category of "listening guides' (eg:Penguin series) which could be consulted.
Use your music library - consult your reference librarian for help. Read what other authors have previously written by looking at the booklets contained in current recordings.
More often than not, trust your own instincts and analysis of each piece. Write about your own impressions and thoughts as a performer.
Above all: use your own words - DO NOT PLAGARIZE.
Good luck...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jean
Date: 2003-02-21 23:53
I too write program notes and have found a number of sources in the library and the internet. One consideration is this; How much does your audience already know? Not much, then be sure you aren't over their heads. I don't ever want to "dumb down" to people, on the other hand if they know nothing about the music or the composer they aren't much better off.
I for one find writing program notes to be a lot of fun, especially if there is some good, juicy tidbit about the piece or the composer. Nothing lurid of course...although there is often a lot of lurid stuff about many composers.
Jean
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
