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 Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: BassClarinetBaby 
Date:   2011-06-29 08:52

For my university audition, I plan on playing Canzonetta by Pierne and one of Gordon Jacob's 5 Pieces for Clarinet.

To contrast this, I need a slow and moving piece. I am torn between Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, II movement and Schumann's Fantasy Piece No. 1. The Mozart is more technically challenging but I feel I can make a lot more of the expressive elements in the Schumann piece and really make is musical. So which one should I go with, in your opinion?

Also, any suggestions on which of the Jacob pieces to play? Thanks for all answers :)

Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: clarinetguy 2017
Date:   2011-06-29 13:32

If you can play it well, I'd go for the fifth of the Jacob pieces. I don't have it in front of me at the moment, but if I remember correctly, it's fairly difficult, especially when it's played up to tempo.

Mozart vs. Schumann: This is a tough one, but I think I'd go for Schumann. Those who are hearing your audition will know every note of the Mozart concerto. They've probably heard it and played it thousands of times. They might listen for every slight imperfection. They'll know the Schumann piece too, but it isn't played as frequently as the Mozart (at least I don't think it is).
If you can play it well with a lot of expression, I think you'll make a very good impression.

Good luck!

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: davyd 
Date:   2011-06-29 17:45

I'd go with #3 of the Jacobs; you want somethng that will at least somewhat show off your staccato playing. (I haven't studied the Pierne, but it looks like it's mostly legato, and your other choices definitely are.) I defer to the Experts, though.

If you feel you can do more with the Schumann than the Mozart, I'd say to go with Schumann. Will you be accompanied? That might make a difference.

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: Red Chair 
Date:   2011-07-01 11:43

Drop the Jacob, it's rubbish music and only shows that you are prepared to learn bad music and puts you in a bad light from the word go. .

Pierne is insubstantial musically too, but a 'nice' piece.

Play Mozart & Schumann.

This allows you to both show your good musical taste and also explore the lyrical and expressive side of playing. Surely a university audition panel wants to hear good music played well rather then bad music just because it helps show every aspect of your playing. Fast finger movements prove absolutely nothing when compared to a beautiful performance of either Mozart or Schumann.

As for Schumann not being played so much, from my experience that is rubbish. Every panel I have sat on at the hochschule where I examine we hear 10 Schumann's to one Mozart.

My thoughts only.

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: BassClarinetBaby 
Date:   2011-07-01 12:50

Red Chair, what makes you believe Jacob's pieces and Peirne's music to be 'rubbish'?

Also, I need THREE peices, so I cannot just do the Mozart and Schumann. Secondly, they have to be contrasting pieces, so yes fast finger movement is worth something - I cannot show my versatility with two legato, lyrical pieces.

Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: Red Chair 
Date:   2011-07-01 19:12

I never suggested not playing the Pierne, just a comment on the piece. Please read more carefully.

Contrasting does not mean fast and slow, that is a crude and worthless definition. Look at the music and you will clearly see they are contrasting in substantial ways and the three pieces will complement each other. If the only piece with fast passage work you have ready is Jacob, I stand by my comment of not playing it all. The pieces lack musical credibility and despite having your teacher tell you they are great (why else would you learn them?) they give no musical reward. Saying that if you can't see the obvious lack of musical worth in the Jacob pieces perhaps you are better playing whatever you want as that will clearly show the level of your musical skill and result in the rewards from the audition you deserve.

As you said, thanks for all answers, that implies you are happy to receive critisicim too.

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 Re: Mozart vs Schumann?
Author: davyd 
Date:   2011-07-01 20:25

Leaving aside for the moment the "quality" of the Jacob and Pierne: what 3rd piece SHOULD BassClarinetBaby play instead of either of these?

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