mdl wrote: > >Refresh my memory on this: Let's suppose that I'm called upon to make an >arrangement for small orchestra. I want to do the best I can, but I'm not a >string player. I can sort of guess at the bowings, but bottom line I don't >know enough to do a good job of it. > >For the sake of argument, assume that I'm on my own and in a hurry -- so >there's no option of handing off the job to someone better qualified, >consulting with a friendly string player, etc. > >In such a case, what do you recommend I do?
Excellent practical questions, Mark! Long term, there's a book on orchestral bowings that has been highly recommended. The author's name is something like Elizabeth Green. > >1. Take my best guess at the bowings. Yes. Use whatever knowledge you have and do the best you can. The players are used to this, and used to doing what's necessary to carry out your APPARENT intensions. Just do your best to make those intentions clear. And use meaningful words, too. "Peasante," "Cantabile," and such quality terms do have definite meanings and will elicit the kinds of bowings that fit the moods. > >2. Indicate general phrasing I have in mind, perhaps with a note that they >are phrasing marks not bowing. I wouldn't. Your best guess is more helpful. I know that non-string players consider this a silly statement, but the fact is that phrase markings are neither necessary nor helpful to string players. Our bows have to change direction at regular intervals anyhow, so other phrasing indications like crescendo and diminuento marks, "breath" marks, and such convey much more information. And if you do go this route, it will be immediately obvious that they are phrase markings and not bowings. > >3. Don't mark any slurs at all, and figure the strings will work it out >themselves. Ah, the coward's way out! I'm afraid the strings will NOT work it out, because you have given them no indication of your intentions. Fixing meaningful but impractical bowings is one thing, and will happen almost automatically, but undertaking a complete editing job with no input from the writer just won't happen. Even phrase markings are better than nothing! John John & Susie Howell Virginia Tech Department of Music Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A. 24061-0240 Vox (540) 231-8411 Fax (540) 231-5034 (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) http://www.music.vt.edu/faculty/howell/howell.html _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
