 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2003-01-13 04:32
I've been asked to play at my grandfather's 90th birthday celebration in April. It will be in a function room at a swanky hotel, and the audience will be huge, being an Italian family and all. My family have told me it will be paid, for myself and whomever I choose to play with i.e accompanyist or ensemble.
The thing is, I've had a few ideas on what to do, but nothing brilliant. I was thinking about the Mozart quintet (I could most likely get a string quartet together), and I'm not sure if the hotel would have a piano or not (however I can find out).
I'd really love some suggestions from you guys as to what would make great background music for this event. My grandfather loves Mozart, but, he pretty much loves whatever I play on Clarinet! It just needs to be for small ensemble, minimum 2, maxium about 6 I would think.
Thanks in advance again guys! =]
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Author: James
Date: 2003-01-13 06:20
mozart is nice. the weber quintet is pretty cool. That's more of a clarinet concerto with string accomp.
If you can get a piano.. mihaud's (sp) scharmouche is a good one. It seems to be an audience. I would stay away from anything that's an aquired taste (like poulenc and bartok)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2003-01-13 13:26
I would suggest a couple of things. Do the classical and then do something your grandfather would like--something from his younger years or ask about a favorite. Pianos are available at all swanky hotels.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2003-01-13 14:44
Why wouldn't you play Italian music? I'm not aware if there are clarinet sheet music parts available but the songs composed by "Tosti" come to mind as appropriate. If I was 90, that's what I'd like.
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Author: Jean
Date: 2003-01-13 15:40
Besides Mozart what does Grandpa like? If he is ninety he was a young man during the big band era. I would look into something more "fun"....there are some books out there that have cd accomp. so you could bring a cd player along if the piano is an issue. Keep in mind pianos aren't always maintained well, thus, tuning could be an issue.
Jean
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Author: Marcia
Date: 2003-01-13 16:16
And don't forget the Finzi Bagatelles provided you can get a piano.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-01-13 16:45
Having been stuck with a piano a half-step flat for a Valentine's Day dance, NEVER AGAIN has been my watchword concerning pianos for many years. If there is a piano, check it out before the gig, and be certain it is the one you'll get. If there is no piano, or if the one that's there isn't satisfactory, bring a *good* keyboard. A *good* keyboard player, too. To me, it would be preferable to play with a good keyboardist (after some rehearsal time) rather than most pick-up string quartets. A really good quartet would go very well, though.
The music already suggested is fine, but no big Italian gathering is complete without a bit of Verdi, some Puccini, and "Funiculi Funicula." Any other selections of that type should go well. The catalog of Italian romantic ballads is wonderfully large, and were I you, I'd play some of those also. The Clarinet can play such music so expressively, surely it would be appreciated.
Regards,
Joh
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Author: Dennis
Date: 2003-01-13 22:35
I agree with some of the comments to play some typical Italian ballads - La Mattinat - comes to mind. I did this one solo at a small gathering of italian language students.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2003-01-13 22:57
Thanks guys, excellent suggestions. He LOVES Mozart. I know he would have some interest in the big band era, as he gave me his old clarinet (which is why I started playing); a Conn jazz instrument he got in the 40s.
Where can I find Italian ballads? Are these songs he'd recognise?
Some of the Bagatelles sound good, as well as Mozart stuff- maybe some of the Church Sonatas?
Keep the ideas coming guys!!!
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-13 23:20
Speaking from experience with large Italian family gatherings, especially if there is any sizable group from the old country present, you might want to include something in the line of Torna a Sorrento, E' Gumpari (SP?,) etc., generally, old Italian folk and popular pieces.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2003-01-14 01:09
Yes, there will be some family members coming over from Italy, I've been told to brush up on my Italian because they don't speak much English...!
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Author: Bob Culbreth
Date: 2003-01-15 00:42
Richard Stoltzman compiled a collection of transcribed arias and songs, several of course are of Italian descent. All of these were recorded on his "Aria"album. I think the publisher is Carl Fisher. I know Muncy winds has this book. Theres also some of the famous Gerswin tunes from Porgy and Bess like Summertime,etc. Could be worth a look if you need shorter pieces. I hope you have a great time!
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