cornetguy

We just had the most frustrating sight reading session in community orchestra on Monday. We sight read The Chairman Dances. Anyone out there have suggestions on how to play minimalist music without getting scrambled brains. I was looking at part of it with mr. metronome and was ready to bang my head in the wall until the pain went away. The notes aren't the problem it is the rhythms and the way Adams, starts a pattern gets you all comfortable with it the throws a monkey wrench in the mix (rest small change in the patteren for a measure or two)

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ecarroll

CG,

Zone in with the pulse and don't look up. The small changes in rhythm allow one rhythm to phase into another and the effect is striking when executed properly.

John Duykers, a tenor on the CalArts faculty, was the original Chairman Mao in Nixon in China. Shall I ask him what shoes he wore? :)

Cool that your community orchestra is playing adventuresome music. Bravi.

Best,
EC

wiseone2

Think sub-division! Keep the pulse going from the first measure.4/4, 2/4, 3/4, 6/8, 7/8, 3/16.......doesn't matter. Keep the basic pulse going.
I love Nixon in China! Chris Gekker nails it on the recording. They show those Mother******s how to dance.
Wilmer

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Hags888

I've done a few Adams pieces before, Harmonium, Chairman Dances, Short Ride in a Fast Machine...and every time I did exactly what these fine Artist in Residences suggest. Maintain your pulse. I wouldn't say "put your blinders on", but I had to constantly remind myself to be independent and maintain the steady pulse despite the weird time signature changes.

Scott

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