GFPLAYER

Hey guys. I am new, and this is my first question. I am 65 years old and fairly close to realizing that some of the younger kids are better than I am. However, I have been asked by my local orchestra (I am Principal Trumpet for The Orchestra of Southern Utah--check out our PodCasts) to perform Trumpeter's Lullaby this fall. I am sure that I can handle it (again), but I want to do it right, especially because this may be last chance to solo with a full symphony. Here is my question: Should I show off like Rafael Mendez, or try to make it really sound like a lullaby? I can do it either way with confidence, but I want to know what you would do.

Thanks for your advice.

Gary F. Player

eisprl

I would play YOUR version of the lullaby. Being 65, I assume you've heard this piece (and played it) many times. If Rafael Mendez's version is what sticks out in your mind play with that. Play some of the diddlie-do's that he does but also play around with it. Make it your own piece as if you had written it (or as if someone has written it for you knowing what you can and can't do).

Have fun with it. It is a very fun and enjoyable piece. (it's also on smartmusic if you use it).

__________________
Eric Sproul
Practice is like filling a leaky bucket

Bb: Yamaha Xeno 8335
C: Bach Stadivarious 239L and 25A leadpipe (Owned by Eric Sholtz)
Flugel: Yamaha Bobby Shew 6310Z
Mouthpieces: GR tech
www.stadband.ca

Tromba1030

I just performed this piece with orchestra in Boston and couldn't agree more with the previous poster. I have heard a few recordings of this piece and have heard what my teacher heard from his teacher (Roger Voisin, for whom the piece was written) and it all amounted to "make it your own". I took little stylistic touches that I liked from each of the recordings I had heard and developed some amalgam of all of the advice I heard in my performance. In the end, if you like your interpretation, so will the audience.

__________________
Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at New England Conservatory

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra

Rivers Faculty Symphony Orchestra

"Life is like a trumpet. If you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out of it." -- W.C. Handy

Vulgano Brother

In a TV interview (with Voisin, or Anderson--dunno) in a Leroy Anderson documentary, part of that Leroy Anderson innocent fun in the piece was the contrast between the macho majestic raw-meat eating nobility of the trumpet, and--a lullaby!

Play it as a lullaby your way, and have fun!

__________________
www.letsbuildhope.org

GFPLAYER

Thanks to all three of you. My sentiments exactly, but I wanted to hear it from someone else. The only recording I don't like very much is by Doc Severenson, who usually is much better! It is good to have my jazz instincts confirmed.

GFPLAYER

richtom

I have played this piece in concert and will be doing it again this summer in an
outdoor concert and can add this.
Mendez plays this in a different key. The original of course, is in F, the Mendez - if memory serves - is in Ab concert. Personally, I wouldn't dream of attempting Mr. Mendez's additions
in the original in the key of F.
I prefer a relaxed tempo fast enough to allow double tonguing on the sixteenth notes and
careful use of ruboto. The ending should be like saying "good night" to your audience.
This is one of those pieces that is more difficult stylistically than technically and requires a good conductor to keep the accompaniment flowing.
Arguably, the most famous recording is the original with James F. Burke as the soloist
with Leroy Anderson as the conductor. I think it is slightly fast, but it is beautifully
played.
Good luck to you in whatever way you choose to play this piece. The audience will love it. It is quite lovely.
Rich Tomasek

Don Christensen

Gary, I agree with the other posts. Make the piece your own; play it the way Gary F Player would play the piece. Who knows, maybe in a few years someone will be asking if they should play it in the mendez style or the Gary F style. ;)

__________________
www.dixiepioneerband.com

wiseone2

Remember the title.
Don't do anything that will frighten the infant
Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

Doc Nelson

I know it's predictable, but I like Wynton's take on the piece. It's lively w/o being aggressive in the faster segments, but very melodic and smooth. I agree with Mr. Wise (how anyone couldn't is beyond me) that if you remember the title while playing it you can't go wrong.

dstrad

Check out the James Burke Tribute website The James F. Burke Tribute Page | Cornet Soloist & Solo Chair - The Goldman Band 1943-1974 website. There is a sound sample of him playing trumpeter's lullaby. There is also a sound sample of him performing Buglers Holliday with ray Crisara and John Ware. It's a lullaby. Play it sweetly.

Doug Fine