 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-11-22 04:23
I'm going to be playing this with a youth symphony early next year and I just have 2 questions. Firstly, is it ever performed without the chorus, or is the chorus mandatory? Secondly being principal I get to choose whether I play the 1st part of the Eb part. I think I would rather play the 1st part, but I'm having a hard time (from the list of players and reserves) thinking of someone with the experience on Eb to pull it off. I know the Eb part is quite exposed and important but would it be more important to have a solid 1st part, or a solid Eb part? If I was to do it, I would have an easier time finding someone to play the principal part. What do you think? I have to start organising it now so people know what they are doing. THanks!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-11-22 04:44
I am so jealous. I can only WISH I had your problems. What with being principle and trying to figure out what part I want to play and having the power to choose WHO to play what I decide not to and whatnot.
I can't give you advice though. I'll let someone who's BEEN in that situation take it. Just wanted to say congrats to you. I remember posts about how you were trying to get into the college of your dreams there in Australia. And about picking out new clarinets. Now your principle of a youth symphony. Congrats on everything so far.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2003-11-22 10:00
IMO the Eb-part is more demanding than the 1st part. 1st and 2nd are almost equally demanding but the Eb sticks out in many places. The first solo in the introduction can be very embarrassing if it's not absolutely in tune. The solo in the 5/8 section and onwards needs a flow from an experienced Eb-player, very much in the high register is in unison with piccoloflute.
Take the opportunity to compare the piccolo part to the Eb part. There are often many misstakes in the Eb part. The piccolo part is usually correct to the score.
If you have access to a D clarinet I recommend to use one for the beginning. You will have C major instead of B major. The gestures in the beginning give no room for technical struggle.
If you are the advanced Eb player you shuld do it.
Alphie
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-11-22 12:42
Thanks sfalexi. It's pretty exciting for me because next year (end of January till November) is a touring year. There is a planned tour to Italy and Germany. Tchaik 6 and Fountains of Rome are on the agenda so I can't wait! I think I'll take Alphie's advice on playing the Eb part. I just have this mental block to playing Eb. I think I tense up in fear of squeeking hehe...
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2003-11-23 00:22
At two of the SSO performances of this work over the last 15 years, I've heard/seen it without the chorus. At two or three others (including one last year of the complete ballet - that was with Dutoit) they did it with the chorus. After that, the non-chorus version just doesn't do it for me.
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Author: tsmith
Date: 2003-11-23 01:28
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of of playing both the 1st part at the opening, switching to Eb for the "shepherd" solo, then back to 1st until the "Danse Generale", which was Eb to the end. This is not perhaps an ideal way to do it, but not too much of importance gets left out if the 2nd player goes to 1st for the Eb sections. If I were going to play one or the other, I would also probably recommend the Eb part, which has several nice exposed solos. Also, whoever plays the opening 12-lets, they are much easier on Bb than A as written, and it is just possible to switch after the first four groups. Have fun!
Post Edited (2003-11-23 01:30)
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Author: LeOpus1190s
Date: 2003-11-23 01:52
Quite honestly I think that is rather arrogant to leave the the principal spot to take another part from someone else because its better. IIt's just greedy and would be a very immature to do.
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Author: donald
Date: 2003-11-23 06:21
the only thing worse than sitting as 1st clarinet listening to some doofus butcher the Eflat clarinet part, is playing the E flat part and having to endure someone play the 1st/2nd parts like a bull in a china shop. I've been in both situations, and neither was much fun. If you're on the Eflat part and the other clarinets are not rhythmically secure in the end bit, it'll make your life hard- i hope you have a section with FOUR good players, cause each one of you is going to need to play well.
donald
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-11-23 11:07
LeOpus1190s: I am not taking a part from anyone else and there is no experienced Eb player other than myself in the section. We are going to have to get a reserve member in anyway, and the youth orchestra organisation leaves it up to the principal players to organise their own section and to call in augmenting players from the reserve list when needed. I don't at all see how I am being arrogant. I am simply trying to build a good section. If anything I am doing the 2nd player a favour by putting him on 1st and doing a reserve member a favour by getting them in to play 2nd, rather than getting someone to attempt difficult Eb clarinet solos when they have never played the instrument before.
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Author: vin
Date: 2003-11-23 17:40
LeOpus1190s-I have heard of conductors in small, regional professional and youth orchestras doing this all the time. Assuming it is the player's fault when you know nothing about the situation is ridiculous, overly judgmental and immature.
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-11-23 22:14
diz - its the Queensland Youth Symphony, conducted by John Curro AM MBE(if you know of him)
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-23 22:18
OH - though you might have hit the "big time". QYO is a fine ensemble, good luck. Yes- I've met John on a couple of occasions.
Daphnis - mate - I'd go the first clarinet, the e-flat part is a bastard - unless you want that sort of challenge. I just think the first part is so beautiful. All those wonderful duets with 2nd clarinet - quasi cadenza.
Hope to hell you've got a good bass clarinetist ... very difficult stuff indeed.
Also, if you want excellent recordings to listen to, any of the London Symphony Orchestra are fantastic, but my favourite is the Montreal Symphony with the wonderful Dutoit. I heard him conduct this in Sydney not so long ago (with chorus). I think, personally, it sounds kind of lame without the chorus.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2003-11-23 22:20)
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-11-24 00:19
VCA is doing this next year too. I have a bad feeling they're going to put me on Eb...
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-11-24 00:58
Diz - the bass clarinetist is Richard Haynes who just won the ABC Young Performers Awards so hopefully we'll be in good hands there.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-24 01:33
Sounds great, Nick, you'll love it - especially the dawn-music with all the (horrendous but colourful) bird calls.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2003-11-24 14:09
Nick,
From your earlier posts, I think you already know the answer. Your clarinet section is a team. As section leader, you have a responsibility to find the combination of players that provides the best overall coverage of the parts. It's not really a matter of deciding what part you want to play or will sound best on, it's a matter of deciding what part you need to play so that the section and the orchestra sound their best. The answer to that question depends on the experience and ability of the top Eb player and the top Bb player on your sub list. If there are no solid Eb players but there is at least one good Bb player, the orchestra probably needs you to play Eb.
Best of luck with your choice,
jnk
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