mahaberio

It was mentioned in another thread that this topic deserves its own thread and I whole-heartedly agree.

I don't presume to know the perfect way to program a recital, all I can offer are my feelings on how I like to go about it.

First of all, I won't play anything that I don't think I can do something original with. If there is a piece that is fairly popular that I really want to play, I really try to make it my own.

One of the other goals I have for recitals is exposure. Expose yourself and the audience to something you're not familiar with. Take a risk with new piece. Don't worry about its "accessibility," as people we have evolved to appreciate and enjoy music that was once considered difficult on the ears. Remember, all music was once new.

Something I'd like to do as a student that I haven't had the opportunity to do yet is play music by other students. Student composers are always THRILLED to have their works performed and we have a responsibility as their colleagues to help them with that. It is also a great opportunity to work on a new piece WITH its composer (how often do we get that opportunity?). It is also a great way to make valuable connections with your peers that can continue well into your careers and will more than likely increase in value. I recently collaborated with a student composer on his first work for trumpet and it was a great learning experience for both of us. I sent him TONS of solo trumpet music that he'd never heard before and he asked me about certain aspects of trumpet composition. Simple questions he asked me provided information that he will carry with him the next time he goes to compose for the trumpet. It also created an enthusiasm in him for trumpet composition. This is what we need! More composers enthusiastic about writing for our instrument. Later this year I'm going to record his piece for him and he will add it into his portfolio. Hopefully I will be able to include his piece in the next recital I plan.

I don't really think a whole lot about the program order as it seems to dictate itself when I get the music figured out. Also, when I start picking an order, it shows me that maybe something doesn't necessarily work in the program and the process of picking music sort of starts over. Once I have an order figured out, I make an iTunes playlist of all the pieces (if possible I make a recording if one is unavailable) and listen to it. It seems silly but it's a great way to gauge a reaction to it as an audience member. While live music and recorded music is irrefutably different, it will possibly bring something to your attention. Does it sound tedious? Boring? Exciting?

Once this process is done, simulate a recital by playing as much like you would in the recital as possible incorporating rests, switching trumpets, going off-stage, etc. Revise accordingly.

This is just how I go about planning a recital in my relative inexperience.


-Matthew