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Re: Performance Advice on Schumann's "Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73"

Author: Alexis
Date: 2004-06-06 00:31

Hi

The Fantasy Pieces are a very big blow, especially with repeats. Try to play through all three and see how you go embouchure-wise. If your embouchure goes while you are playing these (especially the last piece) it is very difficult to find a place to reset it (let alone a place to breathe!). Many people I have spoken to consider the Schumann one of the most difficult pieces to pull off for this very reason.

In terms of interpretation, I think you should see it as a form of instrumental lieder. Listen to recordings of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau singing Schumann (or Schubert) lieder and try to hear what he does with the melodic line. Sing the melodies yourself - even if all the notes aren't all there when you sing, just think about the line and where it is going.

Adhere to the printed dynamics and don't overblow the forte passages. I would say you would want to save your loudest playing for the end of the coda in the last piece. Try and vary the tone colours (Fischer-Dieskau is terrific at doing this) especially in the softer dynamics. You have to transcend the technical difficulties of the clarinet and just play music if that makes sense.

Try and find the A clarinet version - the fingerwork is much easier. The Bb transcription simplifies one triplet figure in the 2nd movement and makes everything else a lot harder. You have enough to worry about without 5 sharps!

I haven't structured this post very well but I hope it helps. Good luck with the audition.
Alex

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