| I hope your principal horn is a solid one. S/He'll need nerves of steel for the second movement. The whole piece is one that I fell in love with all over again this year. I had to cover for Osmo at the start of the season and, therefore, had to get intimate with it. It's not played as much as the others so it's a treat that you're going to get to play it.
Remember that playing Beethoven is not like playing Mozart. It's a bit stronger style of playing... more aggressive. watch out for some of the long notes and let the tune come through while you and the horns establish the tonality. The last movement is a charmer.
If you have the chance to hear or see "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" I highly recommend this part of a series of stories about the great composers meant for children. It's a well-written story that adults enjoy as it's not the least bit condescending. I listened to it with both my kids at various times. I just happen to love stuff that helps me appreciate the genius of the greats in an enjoyable way.
ML |