I’m finding this an unusual blog to write as Director of Music…. I played from the back and have reviewed the video from the front, but didn’t conduct!
Three words echo in my mind…. preparation, articulation and dynamics…. this saying is very relevant…. the audience won’t know if you mark your music but they will find out if you haven’t….. Mark up the dynamics and entries…please!
Following a great working rehearsal with Harold and viewing the video which I will get put up on the website shortly the following notes are offered to help further preparation…. remember this isn’t criticism but by drilling right down to this piece we can learn to perform better, more efficiently and get the most out of our craft
Overture to a new Age
opening notes…not quite together….. prepare yourself, breath early and watch the baton for that cue
good articulations throughout this passage
upper woodwinds need to clean up the running parts here, keep together
more dynamics can be added to create effect….. over exaggerate the sorts by being softer use the crescendos etc to grow
bar 25 good change and approach
bar 33 watch the intonation in the Clarinet’s, pic entry not in tune
check the articulations in the lower brass
the crescendo into 57 needs to be more stated
the 2/4 bar the articulation is still not clearly defined between quavers and triplets
trumpet 2 and 3 need to copy trumpet 1 in sound and style leading up to 117
bar 132 upper winds are not together and are messy at this point
153 trill is not together
watch the intonation in saxes during the subito section and ensure the pause is together
clarinet cadenza is sounding good however you added an extra semi quaver in the descending pattern
leading up to 171 intonation is good as is balance
watch the poco a poco crescendo… this needs to be a continuous gradual increase
good clear transition to new tempo
good interplay between trumpets and woodwinds at 197
dynamic growth to 252 needs to be more graduated and even
be careful we don’t rush into procession to a new age 258
dynamic changes… trumpet is at f at 276 but horns start at mf and crescendo in 277 they are not the same marking
285 bit of a piccolo disaster!
293 don’t get too big too fast
303 play cantabile….a broad singing style not just loud
319 make sure that sustained parts leave room for those with running parts, we need to hear all the parts
327 be careful the tempo doesn’t drag at this point as the texture thickens otherwise we don’t make enough of the grandiose and it will become too heavy
good ending
we are nearly there team…. keep up the excellent work
Here is the link to the recording: Overture Rehearsal Recording 08/09/2020
Murray