Scott, Hans can speak for himself, .... and I certainly agree with your statement. But, I do not think Hans was saying that if the second horn could not play his part in the call in Beethoven 3 first horn would be blamed. I do think he was saying, that tutti parts are part of a whole and can hide such that the conductor will never say a word to them. On the other hand first horn is visible, very much so and the conductor would not think twice about pointing out their short comings .
Debbie Schmidt Sent from my iPhone On Aug 12, 2010, at 2:36 PM, <[email protected]> wrote: > > Herr Pizka wrote: > But it is different regarding tutti players. But who points upon tutti > players in case of > a mistake ? They just point to the first horn. > > First, allow me to express my repect for Hans (as he has asked me to call > him), as a performer and teacher. I read every word he writes, gleaning > through his posts and web site for any advice he gives and I think he is an > invaluable resource for this group. However, I disagree with this view > point, esp. in regard to the fantasy that Horn 1 as the solo horn. Having > played professionally in many (admittedly lesser) organizations as a member, > sub, or in an ensemble formed for a single performance, as a soloist to 1st > horn through 2nd Bb tuben and all parts in between, I have never played in a > group where the conductor pointed at (or blamed) Horn 1 for the fourth horn > blowing a solo (or any other musical line). I have, as Horn 3, covered a > fourth horn solo in a student (training) orchestra, but never in a > professional situation (The offending player would have been fired at the > earliest possible moment). We would never allow such a thing to happen. I > grant that Horn 1 is re > sponsible for setting the musical style of the section, and that Horn 1 sets > and enforces the musical vision of the section, but unless I am mistaken, > when I cover second (or third, or fourth, ad nausum), I am the only person > covering that line, making me the soloist of that part. This is a > non-trivial distinction when playing Beethoven symphonies and many others > (Stravinsky, Saint-Saens, Brahms, et al). When I do lead a section, I prefer > a more collaborative leadership style (although as principal, I always > reserve the right to dictate style), trusting in the professionalism and > musicality of my section mates. The hiring process usually takes care of > those that do not possess professionalism and musicality in sufficient > measure. After all, what skills are required of the Horn 1 player that are > not required in the tutti players? > Range? Of course not! Copland requires Horn 1 and 2 to play the same high > notes, while the second also has to be able to negotiate an octave or two > lower. Horn 3 occassionally has to play higher than Horn 1 in any given > piece. > Accuracy? By far the most challenging part for accuracy is the Horn 2 part. > Tone Quality (timbre)? Sheesh, do I even have to answer this? NO! > Technique? Of course not! > Ability to solo convincingly and musically? What about the famous Horn 2, > 3, and 4 solos we all study and some of us lucky ones get to perform? > I play second horn in one of the orchestras I perform in. The reason I play > second is because that is the position that was open. I played a solo and > excerpts and I had a trial period (one year) before I was offered full > membership. Does this mean I am the second or third best player in the > section? No, it means I was the best player the day of the audition for the > part I auditioned for. All this for a regional orchetra (third tier)! Long > story short, in today's professional orchestras it takes an entire section of > solo quality players to produce the best section. > Respectfully Submitted, > Scott Young > > > _______________________________________________ > post: [email protected] > unsubscribe or set options at > https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/jasoncat%40aol.com _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
