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Re: Fantasia on La Traviata - Verdi/Lovreglio

Author: moose6589
Date: 2007-03-14 10:54

Thanks for all the insightful and helpful comments on my playing as there were several points brought up that I had not thought about before. I am posting the video here precisely to get another look at my performance (as my friends and teachers in high school don't find much wrong with it and don't play the clarinet either).

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a few questions to clarify some of points brought up.

First..good point about standing closer to the piano. I hadn't realized that I was standing too far away, but it is more natural to be closer.

About the open G..I already use resonance fingerings to improve the note, so it probably is an issue with air and support in the beginning. My reed wasn't sounding that great that day either..

Contrasts throughout the piece certainly can be improved to make it more dramatic and powerful, although this particular video does tend to make my playing sound more flat (dynamically) than usual.

As for the famous toasting song by Alfredo..I had to cut that part out because of an 8 minute time limit. I was going over the limit even without that part, so it had to go. However, it is probably one of my favorite sections too (great fun). The cut was unfortunate.

Now onto Ken's many great insights:

Now that I listen to the video again, I do not remember my opening G being that wobbly (I don't think I've ever played it that 'wavily'). Possibly a problem with the video, but I'm not sure. It's certainly not what I would consider normal (unfortunate if I did sound like that at the concert).

I do agree about the intonation issues throughout the piece, although I find that difficult to work on.

Tone is another good point; I have a feeling my mouth becomes too relaxed/loose when playing extended, exposed runs, leading to a deterioration in the tone. Keeping the embouchure firm should help a lot.

Good advice on the trills (I think I've read that on here before), and it's particularly evident in the series of extended trills right before the cut.

I have actually watched a video of La Traviata several times in an attempt to bring out the meaning behind the melodies, although I see I can do that even more.

However, could you explain more about running phrases together and breathing? I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean right there.

Also, do you have any suggestions on how to better rehearse with the pianist?

Again, thanks for all the useful suggestions as they really are very useful.

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