 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Frodo
Date: 2005-02-23 07:38
What standard tunes is one expected to memorize on Bb clar. I'm still a beginner (two years) but I feel I have sufficient skills and confidence to memorize some tunes. Would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks a lot.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2005-02-23 11:01
I don't recall having ever been told to memorize anything neccessarily. I do memorize almost everything I work on...but most things just stay in the fingers.
If you feel compelled, start with tunes you like and love.
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-02-23 15:40
As you play pieces in band or other group, you will naturallly memorize them. When you take lessons, your teacher will assign things to learn, and you will memorize them as you go along.
You already know a lot of music -- all the tunes you learned in elementary school, or heard on the radio or TV, or sang in church. Just because you learned it young doesn't mean it's not worth playing now. When the famous clarinetist Ralph McLane tried out reeds, he used the "Brahms Lullaby." If you're unsure of something, get a book of Everybody's Favorite Tunes and just play through it.
When you start to buy clarinet CDs, you'll find things you like. It may be difficult to play along, but give it a try, particularly on the slow parts.
Memorizing happens by itself. It's not something you need to worry about right now.
Ken Shaw
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Author: music_is_life
Date: 2005-02-23 17:59
I don't set out to memorize things, but the standard repetoire of classical music is stuck in my memory because of all the auditions that require them-i.e. the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Jeanjean's Arabesque, Weber's Concertino, Weber's Concerto no. 1 in f minor, and a few more.
I also tend to memorize jazz music so that I can improv better- I find it easier to improv when not looking at the music, but that's just me.
I know some great "tunes" to memorize: scales! ![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-02-23 18:19
music_is_life wrote:
> because of all the
> auditions that require them-i.e. the Mozart Clarinet Concerto,
> Jeanjean's Arabesque,
The Jeanjean Arabesques? A peculiar choice which I've never seen on any audition list...GBK
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Author: music_is_life
Date: 2005-02-23 18:41
Quote:
"The Jeanjean Arabesques? A peculiar choice which I've never seen on any audition list..."
that one just kinda came out in my typing. i dont think that is in the least bit standard, but I was required to learn it for an audition...and not by my teacher- it was an all-state thing. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
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Author: Robert Moody
Date: 2005-02-23 20:12
Quote:
What standard tunes is one expected to memorize on Bb clar. I'm still a beginner (two years) but I feel I have sufficient skills and confidence to memorize some tunes. Would appreciate some suggestions.
Two years? Hmmm. While music_is_life may have suggested tongue-in-cheek scales, [¿he?] she(!) is exactly right. In fact, over nearly every suggestion offered so far, I would say that the scales and technique patterns are the most important for you to memorize right now.
Other than that, I would agree that you might start memorizing familiar tunes or some famous jazz melodies that you can pick up from some generic music store books. It will help with keeping the mind fresh.
Of the standard literature for clarinet, with two years behind you, I would suggest the middle movements of some of the Classical and Romantic standards. None of us can be sure of your technical abilities simply by a reference to two years work, but consider looking at the middle movements of these works:
Weber Concerto #1, Concerto #2 and Grand Duo Concertante
Mozart Concerto
Spohr Concerto #1 ← May be a stretch
Stamitz Concerti
If you start slowly and use it as an exercise to eventually work up to speed, it would not hurt to memorize the Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Español solos.
Again, I would strongly suggest that you try to memorize scale and technique patterns first and make them a part of a daily routine. [Dr. Stephen Johnston would be so proud if he saw me posting this. *tearing up*] Many teachers of the past have had students memorize the scale and technique patterns of the Klosé method book, so you may consider that as a resource. You may want to consider the Stubbins book on technique (yellow cover, I forget the exact name).
Good luck with following through.
Take care,
Robert Moody
http://www.musix4me.com
Free Clarinet Lessons and Digital Library!
Post Edited (2005-02-23 20:47)
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Author: music_is_life
Date: 2005-02-23 20:27
Robert Moody wrote:
>While music_is_life may have
> suggested tongue-in-cheek scales, he is exactly right.
"he"? ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-23 21:21
Is Grand Duo really approachable after two years of playing? I guess I'm WAY behind then.
Oh well. I'm starting a new job in a week and so will soon be able to afford lessons . . . . FINALLY!!!! (Yea for me!!!)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-02-23 22:02
So while I won't recommend what you might chose to memorize, I do have a trick I use to memorize a song.
I find that if I play the song by reading the music, I have a hard time memorizing the song. However, when I learn a song by picking out the notes while listening to a CD, I will remember the song forever. Granted, it takes more time and can be slow going initially, it really seems to work.
If you have a photographic memory, then never mind... ;o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: music_is_life
Date: 2005-02-24 00:17
Quote:
Is Grand Duo really approachable after two years of playing? I guess I'm WAY behind then.
I would say no, but that's just me. I was quite horrible when I was about 15 or 16; and that was 5-6 years after I started... although people don't agree with my opinions about my playing. But anyway maybe it is possible, but I just feel like I was just able to play it (and certainly not perfectly) after 5 years.
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Author: Contra
Date: 2005-02-24 00:20
They Hey Song, Carry On My Wayward Son, The Way You Move, Tequila, Vehicle, Low Rider, Louie Louie, Malaquena.
Well, they're standards to me.
Post Edited (2005-02-24 00:21)
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Author: music_is_life
Date: 2005-02-24 00:22
ha ha! Louie Louie!
that reminds me of Band Room Riff
....ah, pep band! **reminisces**
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Author: diz
Date: 2005-02-24 01:55
I'd certainly be learning more than just a tune ...
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2005-02-24 04:39
When I first read this thread I was thinking more along the lines of Contra. How about Ain't Misbehavin', Satin Doll, The Girl from Ipanema...?
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2005-02-24 04:42
I wouldn't say that there are really any pieces you need to memorize just for the sake of it... Pieces like the Mozart are good to know, but it's not like you memorize it once and have it perfect for the rest of your life. I've played the Mozart from memory on a few occassion, but I couldn't pick up the clarinet right now and give a flawless run-through. I'd still need to brush up many spots and do some practice rhythms, to keep everything clean (and there is no reason that you can't use the music for that).
That being said, it's good to be able to memorize things and be comfortable playing without the music. Many people think it's harder to play from memory than when using music, but I think that (assuming you are amply prepared), you can perform more comfortably from memory. When reading music, there is a lot going on mentally that doesn't occur if you are just going from memory. I always joke with my students that (from a technical standpoint) you shouldn't have to think at all when you perform a piece (you should basically be on auto-pilot). Obviously, you have think about the phrasing and the overall presentation, but you shouldn't be worrying about notes or having to read them when you perform. It's added distraction and one more thing that can go wrong.
Since you've been playing only a few years, maybe start with some easy solos (like a book of classical themes for clarinet or something), or the Rubank Advanced Books have some short etudes/duets that are nice music that might be worth memorizing. The Stamitz 3 is also an easy-ish classical concerto that you might look at. It's not that complicated (musically or technically), but it will give you some basic idea of how to work through a larger scale work.
DH
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Author: Robert Moody
Date: 2005-02-24 12:01
Just to point out something that may have been overlooked.
Quote:
...but consider looking at the middle movements of these works:
So when I read this...
Quote:
Is Grand Duo really approachable after two years of playing?
...followed with this...
Quote:
I would say no, but that's just me.
...I wonder why they did not comment on the middle movement of the Weber Concerto #1 which is more difficult technically with its 16th note passage through the middle.
Personally, I believe the Mozart that has been repeatedly suggested is too difficult for third year students to learn in the first and third movements.
Traditionally, sonatas are not memorized, but the second movement of the Brahms Sonata #1 is beautiful and should be within the reach of a third year player, technically.
Robert Moody
http://www.musix4me.com
Free Clarinet Lessons and Digital Library!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-24 14:00
Looks like I missed the 'middle movements' comment there Robert M. In that case I agree. The middle mov. of Weber 1 is definitely more technical than that of Grand Duo. I was thinking about the pieces as a whole.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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