| Dear Eric,
What a coincidence! I've recently pulled that out as well to get ready for the Messiah so, I can relate.
I've performed that piece many, many times in my career and you're right, the last line is the litmus test that tells you whether you should even bother with the rest.
Let's look at a few things:
If you started the piece with the last line you'd have no problem, I'm guessing. However, when you play the first few lines first you have issues with the last line.
Logically, something's changing as you progress through the first movement. For some players, the lips collapse outward. For others there's no sound at all, just air.
In both cases, the embouchure isn't sustaining itself. Since you say you can get through all but the last line we have to assume that the part of the embouchure that holds it together is failing.
My guess, is that if you play it through and cut out before it's over, is that your corners are slowly shifting into a smile instead of remaining forward and down. You are being forced, then to use more pressure which cut's out the vibrations and then, obviously, the sound.
The key here is to practice the techniques that will teach the corners to stay put and behave.
Start with arpeggios in C major and progress to Ab or A major if you can. About 60 to the quarter, one quarter per note. Just do one octave at a time at first and when you get to F major go down to the low F and start 2 octaves.
Notice whether your set up changes as you ascend. I'm guessing it does but if you find where that is and make a point of stabilizing it by keeping it where it should be you'll notice a greater ability to play up there longer.
Use your vibrato if you like. Don't let it sound boring and sterile because "it's just arpeggios". Make it gorgeous. If you don't own a record of Maurice Andre playing it, then get one. His interpretations of this piece are perfection.
To sum up:
1)Stabilize the embouchure to create good sounds in all registers.
2)Practice patiently and with artistry.
3)Listen to a great artist interpret this music and let that beauty inspire you to great things.
Write back and keep us apprised.
ML |