Among flautists, legend has it that Chaminade wrote the Concertino to punish a flute-playing lover after he left her to marry someone else, wanting to make a piece so fiendishly difficult that he could not play it (though he supposedly did manage).
To wrap up all of my blogs with this piece, this was one of the most difficult songs that I have ever played. Even to this day. I tend to struggle with some sections. But in the video below, it shows how far I have managed to go with only three months of practice. I decided to only perform bits of the piece because it wouldn't be as engaging to listen to the whole seven minute song. (This a five page song)
Corresponding to the second video, "the trill (or shake) consists of the rapid alternation of two tones. They are represented by the printed noted (called the principal note) and the next tone above in the diatonic scale. The interval between the two tones may be either a half-step or a whole-step," (Gower and Voxman, 60). Throughout this song, there are a variety of different musical elements represented, such as the trill.
What was the hardest piece you have ever played? (And to non-musicians) What genre do you think is the hardest to perform?
Rhythm generally means a "movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions." This general meaning of regular recurrence or pattern in time can apply to a wide variety of cyclical natural phenomena having a periodicity or frequency of anything from microseconds to millions of years.
"In rhythmic music in the more rapid tempi (marches, dances, etc.) tones that are equal divisions of the beat are played somewhat detached (staccato). Tones that equal a beat or are multiples of a beat are held full value. Tones followed by rests are usually held full value. This point should be especially observed in slow music," (Gower and Voxman 19). Music has always been unique for its' intricate rhythms. Whether it is heavily accented, smooth, or rapid paced, they all create a variety of different feels. What do you guys think is the most significant part to music? What makes it unique?
In music, a turn is an ornament/embellishment. These are musical flourishes (added notes) that are not essential to carry the overall line of the melody (or harmony), but serve instead to decorate or "ornament" that line, provide added interest and variety, and give the performer the opportunity to add expressiveness to a song or piece. The music that I play today rarely consists of turns. So I lack the ability to do turns due to the lack of practicing them, even though it's a simple topic. Even though they rarely appear, it is a good technique to learn about in order to become a better musician.
What to play based on where a turn is located:
To the right of the note - the principal tone is held (almost to full value), then the turn is played just before the next melody tone.
Between a dotted note and another note having the same value as the dot - the turn is played with the last note of the turn taking the place of the dot, making two notes of the same value. The turn sign after a dotted note will indicate that one melody note lies hidden in the dot.
Over a note - the tones are usually played quickly, and the fourth tone is then held until the time value of the note has expired.
(Gower and Voxman 64)
(Left to right) Turn, Inverted Turn (2)
Whenever you play your instrument, it
is good to have a comfortable posture
which will help produce quality sound.
The Turn
"The turn consists of four tones: the next scale tone above the principal tone, the principal tone itself, the tone below the principal tone, and the principal tone again." (Gower and Voxman 64)
Inverted Turn
"In the inverted turn, the order of tones is reversed, the lowest one coming first, the principal next, the highest third and the principal tone again, last." (Gower and Voxman 64)
What do you guys think about the idea of the turn (inverted or not)? Do you think that it is beneficial towards the whole piece? Why or why not?
For wind players, it is typical to start off with singular tonguing. This technique is commonly used with wind instruments to enunciate a variety of different notes using the tongue on the reed, roof of the mouth, or a woodwind/brass mouthpiece. A silent "tee" or "tu" is made when the tongue strikes the reed or the roof of the mouth causing a slight breach in the air flow through the instrument.
Normally, I would use the single tonguing technique because most of the music that's given were doable with singular tonguing. Once the music became more complicated, singular tonguing would then be the worse option to use. Having to deal with rapid passages with an insanely high tempo (no slurring allowed) makes it impossible to tongue it singularly. This is where you would need to engage in double, or even triple tonguing.
Double Tonguing
The first time I played it normally (single tonguing) and the second time I played it as written (double tonguing). "Double tonguing is generally used only when single tonguing technic is inadequate. The articulation consists of a forward stroke of the tongue on T (tu) and a backward one on K (ku)." (Gower and Voxman 45)
Triple Tonguing
The first time is performed normally, while the second time it's played while using the triple tonguing technique. Like double tonguing, it consists of the movements of T and K. Instead, it is used in this sequence - T, K, T. It is used for passages of music that are made up of triplets. (Gower and Voxman 46)
(For wind players) What are some exercises that can help improve double and/or triple tonguing? And (for non-wind players) try this technique for yourself! (No instrument required) Do you find it simple or challenging to do?
Musicis one of my favorite forms of art. Whether you listen to music or play an instrument, the music produced will always (without a doubt) express an individuals' imagination and emotion.
Playing the flute has always been one of my favorite hobbies. As much as I have practiced, there are still some techniques that I tend to struggle with. However, the Rubank Advanced Method book by William Gower and Himie Voxman, helps me improve my techniques. This book outlines a multitude of different exercises, techniques and tunes (which all vary due to their unique style) - ranging from something simplistic to something complex. But before we get to that, here are the basics of playing the flute:
Posture should always be tall (not slacking), while your shoulders are back and relaxed.
Breathing/airstream should consist of whispering, "too". The embouchure plate should rest against your bottom lip.
Below shows an image of the flute fingering chart (correctly showing where to position your hands), your fingers should be arched and lightly rested on the keys. (Gower and Voxman 2)
It is important to phrase properly and to use the right articulations. "Careful attention to the marks of expression is essential to effective use of the material." (Gower and Voxman 19) For this will then enable the emotions/impressions that are being played in the passages.
Some techniques that will be present during the next couple of blogs are:
Double/Triple tonguing.
Turns (including inverted).
Playing technical tunes (that are rapid paced).
I tend to struggle with these the most since movement has to be quick and precise. Below is an example (link) of where I would practice this one rapid passage (all slurred) in "The Black Pearl". One way for me to fully and accurately play a really technical passage was to first - practice it slowly, therefore the movements will be memorized. Then speeding it up slightly the next couple of times until I reach the correct tempo. "In all exercises where no tempo is indicated the student should play the study as rapidly as is consistent with tonal control and technical accuracy. The first practice on each exercise should be done very slowly in order that the articulation may be carefully observed." (Gower and Voxman 47).
What do you guys suggest I could do to improve? If you play an wind instrument, do you have any tips about the techniques listed above? If you don't play a wind instrument, what instrument(s) do you play and why? (Or if you don't play any, what's your favorite genre and why?)
