John P

Hey all,

It's that time of the year again where I send in a recording to the NTC college division. I recorded the Enesco Legend last night with my trumpet prof's Edirol. Last year, I posted some orchestral excerpts (from the ITG list) and the comments everyone posted were really helpful. So I'm gonna do it again.

Enesco Legende, created by John P (Copy 2) and presented through ACIDplanet.com

Some background:

I'm a sophomore music ed major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (No relation to IU) studying with Kevin Eisensmith.

I made this recording on my Bach 229 GH/43R with a Warburton 3MD/8* mouthpiece. For the muted ending part, I used a Wick with the cup adjusted flush against the bell.

Post your comments, good, bad, indifferent. Feedback from other players is always good :)

rowuk

John,
I can only base the comments on the quality of the recording.
You play at a very high level and my comments should only be considered as constructive criticism.

You do not sound "at home" with this C. The sound needs more "core" in my opinion. Without this core, the sound is sometimes a bit hollow, crescendos get louder, but do not increase in "energy". There are some intonation issues. Other passages have a "thinner" sound. Fast passages could benefit by "banging" the valves down for more clarity.

You have a good musical feel for this piece. I think your choice of tempo and expression are suitable. With some minor tweaking, it could become awesome.

ToDo:
work on getting your sound more focussed. The C is MUCH different than a Bb and I have the impression that your sound is not enough under control - it seems too big and bloated(please remember we are not talking about good and bad-just very good and great!). This sometimes shows up during an attack. The sound then has no "precise" beginning. There is nothing wrong with sharp, clean attacks.
Practice the fast sections slowly really banging the valves down evenly and rythmically - then increase to concert speed.

You have very good chops and technique - compliments to you and your teacher! Work on that focus and fingering, you have the musicality in abundance! Congratulations!

John P

Robin,
Thanks for the kind words. I couldn't agree with you more about the sound and "getting to know" my C. Intonation is definitely a problem. I'm using a lot of alternate fingerings right now and might look at leadpipes/tuning slides in the future. While it's ultimately ME that controls pitch, there could definitely be improvements as far as equipment goes. The reverse tuning setup I have now is giving me a little too much room as far as tuning goes.

tatakata

John, Nice work... It takes guts to post a recording. What recordings are you listening to of this piece?

Some of it sounds a bit awkward to me. Intonation sticks out several times.

John P

I've been listening to the Phil Smith recording. I really should have spent more time rehearsing with the piano to work out intonation stuff.

tatakata

I think with more practice it will be great.