 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: gregbaker112@gmail.com
Date: 2014-04-11 18:08
Greetings from Minnesota!
I missed the cutoff date for Bloomington (MN) Symphony auditions last summer but here is the list they used:
Polovetsian Dances
Mendelssohn 3, mvt. 2
Fingal's Cave ov.
Symphonie Fantastique
Mvt. 2 (Larghetto) from Mozart K. 581 Quintet
Plus a 3 minute solo of my choice.
It is a somewhat odd list in that there are two Mendelssohn selections and neither is the MSND scherzo. That is not the point though I did not want to play the Mozart concerto as my solo piece since Mozart is already on the list. Furthermore I have come to the conclusion that in a semi-pro audition setting (maybe even for college), if you are asked for a piece that demonstrates your ability to get around on the clarinet competently, unless you have a really good reason otherwise, that piece ought to have been written by either Mozart or Weber (thoughts on this?).
That said I could have pulled out the Concertino and been done with it. However, it had been a while since I had played Weber's Second concerto, and it is kind of a fun piece.
I found out through listening to recordings that the polacca (3rd movement) divides rather nicely into two 3-minute segments [beginning to measure 118 and measure 135 to the end].
Which of the two halves would work better for this situation? The beginning section states the theme, but is somewhat repetitious, where the other half contains less thematic material, but the last page is really cool!
The list for this summer is not out yet. If it does not contain standard solo repertoire, am I okay playing the polacca, or should I stick with the Concertino or Mozart Concerto?
Thanks.
Greg Baker
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2014-04-11 22:23
The first section. You can demonstrate musicality infinitely more in the first half. The last half is a technical suaree but that's where it leaves you...it's a flurry of notes with not too much musical opportunity to "smell the roses."
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-04-11 23:01
I would say, given the choice of two halves of one movement, that either would be fine. The most important aspect of musicianship is rhythm. You can showcase rhythm in any context with whatever material you use. The same can be said for phrasing, what you do dynamically (and rhythmically) note to note.
There was an infamous clarinet competition many years ago in conjunction with a Clarinet Fest where the first round was a movement from the Hindemith Sonata. The judges had a very hard time picking winners out of that round, but I think it may have been more a matter of all the participants being too staid with the material.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: William
Date: 2014-04-11 19:24
My only thought, pick what you can play the best, not something that will impress the best. There is a slight difference if you think about it. Good luck.......
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-04-11 23:51
As seems to be the case for me a lot, I'm with Paul on this one again, agreeing in the importance of demonstrating rhythm, if not as strongly.
This is not to discount either section or other's opinions but to say that each section allows those competent in the movement to bring something to the table: artistry and technical ability respectfully. Maybe you can find a way to slice bits of each section in. In can think of places where you can break from the first section into the 6ths of the second section that conclude the work.
As for other composers, Spohr and his clarinet concertos come to mind .
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Author: gregbaker112@gmail.com
Date: 2014-04-12 01:40
Thank you for the input. The first half it shall be.
I remember seeing a quote from Clark Brody somewhere recently that said, "...either you play in rhythm or you don't." I think my chances are better in an audition if I belong to the first group!
Greg Baker
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