camelbrass

Hi guys and girls,

A question from an orchestral beginner, I've been asked to sit in on one of the 2 trumpet chairs for Beethoven 2nd Symphony. What key is the trumpet part in? I'll be playing it on Bb and just what to get a jump on my transposition tasks.

Thanks.


Regards,



Trevor

londonhusker

deleted

camelbrass

Hi Dave,

Hope all is well. Are you spending time with Pat this year?

Are the trumpet parts in concert (D major) or are they written in C for D trumpet?

Thanks again.


Regards,


Trevor

londonhusker

deleted

Manny Laureano

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

camelbrass

Thanks Dave.


Thanks ML. I'll be careful stylistically...I'll also look out for 'Beethoven Lives Upstairs', sounds like fun. Meanwhile back to brushing up on that transposition.


Regards,


Trevor

Solar Bell

Beethoven Lives Upstairs is real good.

Also pick up "Mr. Bach Comes To Call."

-cw-

camelbrass

Thanks for all your help on this guys..it's turned out to be great fun.

What a great piece of music. Typically dramatic with some absolutely lovely moving lyrical parts and some real fun. I think the Scherzo has become one of my favourite bits of 'mischieveous' music ever. The endings of movement 1 and 4 are just what you imagine from an orchestra..dramatic and climactic (and perhaps just a bit cliched these days, mores the pity). I'm not playing with the Berliner Philarmonic but for adult amateurs we're making a fist of it.

Dave and Manny thanks for the heads up. The trumpet parts, although not technically challenging and ideal for a transposition novice like me, really add to the drama as well (particularly the brass/tympany moments) and provide reinforcement on some of those big chords. There also some nice little exposed fanfare parts as well. I have seen the palm extended occasionally but as I relax I'm seeing it less so.

Manny, see what you mean about the horn part. The principal horn player has had her hands full. The parts are high, short and VERY exposed...no room for error at all and nowhere to hide.

It's also really nice to be able to sit back and have the music carry on around you. Trumpet players in other genres play 90% of the time and usually carry the melody (or a version of it). It's a nice change not to have to.

Thanks again..looks like I'm into a new style of playing (for me) and really enjoying it. Not bad for an old fella.

Regards,


Trevor