 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ellenbeegirl
Date: 2014-10-23 23:34
Hello. I am a clarinet mom. My son is a Junior in HS and has been playing for 6 years with a private instructor. Last year, he was selected for All State Symphonic Band first section. This year he made All State Wind Symphony and is hoping for an All Northwest spot.
My question is about what types of pieces are recommended for solo competitions.
Last competition, he played Sonota in F minor Op 120 No 1 by Brahms. Sounded good, no glaring mistakes, good tone, but scored badly. The judge did not like the piece and told my son that wanted to see him play something "more challenging."
He thought about a piece that had piano accompaniment like Adagio e Tarantella Cavallini or maybe Concertino Weber Op 26 (he played that 2 years ago) or Solo de Concourse Messager.
Would one of those be a better choice or are there others you might suggest? I really appreciate the input.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blazian
Date: 2014-10-24 05:04
I remember playing Sonatina for Clarinet and Pianoforte by Malcolm Arnold in high school. It's an exciting piece that takes a degree of control, but it isn't ridiculously hard. There are a variety of styles integrated into it.
From the same era is the Hindemith clarinet sonata. A bit easier but well-respected literature for clarinet.
From the Romantic era is the Saint-Saens clarinet sonata. Much more lyrical with various hard, virtuosic passages.
- Martin
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2014-10-24 15:22
Congratulations to your son--and to his parents!
Is the idea of this competition to play a solo in concert with band accompaniment? If so, the Adagio and Tarantella or the Weber concertino are nice options. There are other good choices, but it might be wise to check with the organizers for their recommendations.
If this isn't the idea, I think I might recommend the Copland sonata, a transcription of the violin sonata authorized by the composer. It's enjoyable for both performers and listeners and it's challenging, but it's very playable by talented high school students.
I also enjoy the Malcolm Arnold sonatina, but if the judge last year didn't like the Brahms first sonata (an opinion I don't share), he or she might consider the Arnold to be fluff (again, not my opinion, but some feel this way). I also like the Hindemith which is very playable, but again, it's one of those pieces that the judge might not like. The Saint-Saens could be a good choice, especially if the very challenging last movement is included.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blazian
Date: 2014-10-25 03:22
^^^I second everything said there. You could hope that they rotate judges out to someone more objective.
- Martin
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2014-10-25 03:39
Hello Ellen,
I have several students whose high school performance sounds similar to your son's. Currently they are preparing for concerto competitions offered by different programs/ensembles in central Virginia.
Right now they are preparing Weber's Concertino, Weber Concerto no 1 movement 1, Weber concerto no 2 movement 3, Mozart Clarinet Concerto Mvt 1, and Copland Clarinet Concerto.
Earlier this fall several of these kids also worked on Saint-Saens mvt I, the Brahms your son performed (" The judge did not like the piece and told my son that wanted to see him play something "more challenging." --- this is RIDICULOUS), and Kovacs Homage a Bach, Poulenc Sonata mvt II.
But for any of us to answer your question more accurately we'd have to know more about the competition that you're asking about. Can the kids choose whatever they want? Is the competition for a grade (Superior, Excellent, etc_) or is there a winner? Will the winner perform the piece with an ensemble?
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ellenbeegirl
Date: 2014-10-27 20:42
Thank you so much for your suggestions. The solo competition has a scheduled 9 minute window and allow player to be accompanied by piano. Then the winner goes on to represent their District in the Solo/Ensemble competition for the whole state.
My son's music teacher is wonderful, but he is a musician first and not into the politics or biases that sometimes creep in. The good news is that he encourages my son to play challenging things well so my son has really grown in his ability and range.
I wish the judge played clarinet or liked Brahms better lol, but you can't win them all. I want to support my hard working musician while letting him make his own way so I really appreciate your suggestions. I will have him check out those pieces to see what he thinks might work with his skill level.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
