Jimi Michiel

Hi Ed,

I'm thinking about working up Robert Hall Lewis's Monophony VII for performance, but I'm kind of at a loss as to how to approach it. Do you have any advice on practicing modern music as apposed to more "straightforward" rep? (Straightforward isn't the best word, but I think it gets the point across).

Thanks,
Jimi

__________________

ecarroll

Jimi,

Choose pieces that fall within the boundaries of your technique (range, flexibility, etc.) and then approach them as you would anything else.

It's probably a good idea to spend lots of time, pencil in hand, looking at (and marking up) a new score before putting your horn to your face. I don't know Monophony VII (unaccompanied?), but many "modern" pieces are rhythmically complex. There's no point in trying to execute a complicated line until you can see/hear it.

I'm also a big believer in practicing complicated pieces at half tempo in order to give your brain an opportunity to commit while remaining relaxed. Remember that the music starts in your mind and ear. What comes out the end of your bell is the by-product!

Best,
EC

_______
Cubs in '08! (once every hundred years)

Jimi Michiel

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the advice. Monophony VII is an unaccompanied piece written for and recorded by Tom Stevens a few years ago. I think it's on the tamer side of "extended technique," although Stevens takes some of the unmetered material a little faster than I will.

I'm trying to be cautious in approaching the piece because I feel like if I learn anything wrong, it will take a LONG time to unlearn and relearn it.

Do you try to put everything together at slower tempos? I've found it helpful to just clap rhythms or play them on a single pitch, but I often end up ignoring articulation or dynamic markings this way. More than anything, I'm having trouble with coordinating my body to do everything the composer is asking (I take a small amount of solace that even Stevens doesn't play all the ink all the time...)

Thanks,
Jimi

__________________

Jimi Michiel

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Stevens.../dp/B000003J6Y

(Track 20)

The clip is of the first movement, which is marked "Senza Misura." The more complex stuff comes in the second and third movements.

-Jimi

__________________