| Re: stravinsky-Histoire du Soldat
Hey Annie,
I've done this twice myself...it's a great piece, and a wonderful opportunity to make music!
I would say the biggest things to figure out RIGHT away are:
1. The arppegios in the first movement. Play them slowly. I think you'd probably better double tongue them...I've got a flippin FAST single tongue, and prepared them that way, but when I got into rehearsals I always felt a bit behind, so I DT'd them and it was much better (although I had to practice it a bit). I think that STYLE-WISE, it sounds better double tongued
2. The tonguing pattern in the Royal March. I used Stravinsky's own recommendation TKTKT TKTKT TKTKT. Some people do TKTKT KTKTK TKTKT, and others even do KTKTK TKTKT KTKTK. A lot of people like that last one, because it's like double tonguing through the entire phrase, and you end up on T for the next spot...but I thought I sounded funny that way. Different strokes for different folks, so you'll need to figure out what works best for you!
3. The little concert. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE! This one is tricky, practice it very relaxed, and be sure you have enough breath...it's easy to breathe TOO much, or NOT enough. Figure out PRECISELY where you are going to breath, and how much, and do it the same way each time. This consistency will help!
4. The Devil's Song. For some reason, I found this movement the most difficult of the entire piece, and it's only two licks. I still suck at it ;) PRACTICE!
5. Triumphant March of the Devil. I actually used D trumpet on this movement, the tricky lick lays VERY well on it. If you have a D trumpet that sounds like a big horn (like a Blackburn) then it's perfect. I can do it on C trumpet, extending my third valve slide and playing the low D 23, but think it sounds better on my D.
GOOD LUCK! I'm envious that you get to play this...have FUN doing it! One of my very favorite pieces!
Louie |