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Appalachian Spring question

Author: Micaela
Date: 2004-01-26 21:19

My orchestra is playing Appalachian Spring. I'm playing principal. My conductor advised me to play the section between rehearsal numbers 23 and 26, which is written for B flat clarinet, on A clarinet. It's a LOT easier. However, it does have a slightly different sound. I could play it on A, it just would require a great deal more work. For such a short section, is it alright to go against Copland's directions for ease of technique or should I shut up and practice? My conductor suggested it in the first place, but I would feel a little guilty about wimping out and playing it on A.

Appalachian Spring in spring at a Quaker college in Pennsylvania- it had to happen. (I know Quakers aren't Shakers but they're about as close as you can get anymore. Celibacy as a tenet of your sect does not promote longevity unless your recruitment's real good.)

Thanks,
Micaela

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Re: Appalachian Spring question

Author: ChrisC
Date: 2004-01-26 21:23

Yeah, I got the melody of "Simple Gifts" permanently drilled into my brain as a result of 3 years spent at a Quaker-affiliated elementary school...

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Re: Appalachian Spring question

Author: GBK
Date: 2004-01-26 22:13

No harm in playing #23 to #26 on A clarinet.

Playing in D major will certainly be easier than playing in Db major. Starting the first 16th note run at #23 on high G rather than on F# (which is notoriously flat) will help with the intonation and matching of the other woodwinds. Just try and get the A clarinet as warm as possible before entering (probably the reason Copland didn't indicate the change to A at #23).

Since you eventually have to change to A clarinet at #26, starting a bit earlier might make the entire passage a bit easier.

The last time I played Appalachian Spring I stayed on Bb during that section, but was very tempted to use the A instead.

I suppose it was more of a challenge to myself to see if I could consistantly get all the runs in Db major...GBK

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