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Author: joeyscl
Date: 2007-04-01 00:32
I'm auditioning for the "senior orchestra" of a local youth orchestra. For the audition (in 2 months), we need to play the major/minor scales the conductors ask you to play from memory, the orchestra Excerpts provided (Brahms- symphony #3 2nd movement solo + Borodin- Prince of Igor, Solo from this other thing without a name labelled), And a 5 minuit solo or study of choice-- this is one that stomps me. I have the Finzi Concerto mvmt. 1 Pretty nailed since I'm going to play it at school. I also have Hindemith Sonata that i played last year but didn't make the cut (so i figure ill try something else). Other stuff that i "kind of know-but not really" are Weber Concerto 1 + 2 + Concertino. Stuff i don't really quite know/don't know at all is the Malcolm Arnold Concerto and Osborne Rhapsody.
My question is, What should I play? Do you think the Condudctors will appreciate something as lyrical as the Finzi as opposed some of the other "Fast Finger" pieces? I know my colleagues of the Intermediate orchestra are all going to play fast stuff ie: Rossini Intro. Theme + Variation. If I were to play the Finzi i'll probably give them the solo part so Josh the Trombone Player (they hire another adjudicator so there are more opinions) along with the Conductors will know about the 6 flats.
Anyway, the Ultimate quetion is, what do you think of this situation?
FYI
- the Conductor of the Senior Orchestra is the Principle Oboist at Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and CBC Radio Orchestra (for 30 years what not too)
- from my past experiece, they usually cut you off on the Solo piece of Choice after 2~3 min.
- I'm asking you guys because i wont see my teacher until in 2 weeks time
All opinions appreciated
Post Edited (2007-04-01 00:35)
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-04-01 01:42
If you can find something that is lyrical, yet technically difficult go for it! I made a mistake in one of my auditions and chose a piece that was just not showcasing my talents enough and I didn't get chosen--the first time in my life. The girl that got chosen over me played the Adagio from Mozart Clarinet Concerto from the skipping rests and the such for about 2 minutes(as that was our limit) I simply played a lyrical Rose Etude. If you feel the finzi is also technical, go for it. A good lyrical piece can show off your NATURAL techniques like intonation, tone, balance, etc. I say go for the Finzi.
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Author: kuteclar
Date: 2007-04-01 02:07
How about Mozart concerto - Mvt. 1? I mean, it is usually 'THE' audition piece, so any time apent working on it will be beneficial now and later. It has a few technical passages, but mostly showcases style. Just play through the exposition part - or maybe add the Adagio Mvt. up to the cadenza.
Saint-Saens Sonate
Schumann Fantasy Pieces
Stamitz Concerto No. 3
Brahms Sonatas
Other good moderate choices.
Pick your best playing skill and we'll help make sure you pick a piece to highlight it
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2007-04-01 02:08
Always keep in mind that it is your playing overall that is being examined. Most of the Rose studies some people would say are "easy! I played that last year, whatever!", yet why do you think many major schools not only require them for auditions but also very closely study them throughout your degree? My point is that you can play almost anything - as long as you play it musically, with great control.
The Mozart Concerto is one of the most popular solos, yet in terms of technicality, it's not all that difficult, is it? Yet the girl mentioned above achieved her goal (as well as I! I played the Adagio last month, and suceeded at my audition.)
My advice: Find something which you feel displays your finest qualities - then make everything else about it better. It's not about WHAT you play, it's about HOW you play.
The conductors will appreciate your examples of fine playing and portrait of you as a musician, not just a "showy" piece of music played semi-decently.
Now go find something and start practicing. :-)
Chris Arcand
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