 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ClarinetDad2
Date: 2017-10-16 14:22
So my clarinetist son is submitting what is a called a "Music Supplement" in connection with his college applications. He is permitted two pieces, up to 10 minutes of length in different genres. These are reviewed by highly knowledgable people (assume the same types of people who would be reviewing for a conservatory). They receive thousands of these, and although the requirement is 10 minutes, apparently they may listen to only the first minute before deciding whether to continue further.
We are considering two options in terms of what to submit:
1) Stravinsky's complete 3 pieces for Clarinet (4 1/2 minutes), and the third movement of the Brahms first sonata for clarinet and piano (4 1/2 minutes).
2) Just the 2nd or 3rd movement of the Stravinsky (1 1/2 minutes), and the complete Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie (8 minutes).
Wondering what would be more impressive - option 1) is more balanced between the two pieces, but we fear the listener might not get past the first (slow) movement of the Stravinsky. Option 2) is unbalanced, but the listener would get an immediate impression of the performers talent, and the Debussy in and of itself is an "audition" piece, far more enjoyable than the Brahms (IMHO). Assume the performances of each are all of equal quality.
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-10-16 19:47
I'd vote for Option 2. The first movement of the Three Pieces is written kinda dry on purpose.
Back in the day...I played the Into only from Introduction, Theme and Variations by Rossini followed by the 2nd and 3rd Movements of the Stravinsky. I love the Stravinsky because the 2nd movement is raw technique (which they will love) and the third movement is almost jazz (which shows versatility and they will love).
You're definitely on the right track. Best of Luck! Go Break a Reed!
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: gwie
Date: 2017-10-16 21:50
For the Arts Supplement, a balance of works that demonstrate technical facility as well as musical interpretation is best.
I just did the recordings for a violinist who played the Allemande of the Bach D Minor Partita, followed by the first movement of the Bruch G minor concerto, and a pianist who did Bach, Gershwin, and Hans Zimmer!
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-10-17 05:56
Don't they ask for scales?
The beginning of Debussy and the last page. Skip the middle 2 pages so you can add other pieces. If your son can handle the last page this is what they are looking for - fast fingers, fast articulation, playing in tune in the upper register at the end, plus the beginning for sound quality. The rest isn't so hard, so don't bore the committee.
At live auditions the audition committees almost always cuts you off and goes directly to the hard parts. Same with actual symphony auditions, it's pretty much the same. They want to hear your sound in a slow movement and the rest are the fast tonguing parts and smooth fingers. It is not a Concerto Competition. For example I heard 1 fellow friend play ONLY "Flight of the Bumble Bee," and it was so well done. This is all he played, plus the required scales. He got into Curtis and Cleveland. He went with Marcellus. Yes I was surprised, but he did sound amazing. This was a 1 minute piece or less. Hope this helps.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2017-10-18 08:33)
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