In a message dated 2/6/03 12:43:11 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< On Thu, 6 Feb 2003, Robert Dickow wrote:
> Played Auf dem Strom last night, first time I've done it with a tenor
> singer, in E. Went really well, but how can such an easy piece be so
> difficult?
Some reasons:
1) Endurance, as has already been mentioned. There is a huge
energy-output difference between Auf in E and Auf in Eb. In Eb, Auf feels
a lot like a transitional horn concerto that fits between the Mozarts and
Strauss #1.
2) The frustration of cross-fingerings.
3) If you don't have an Amado valve, then there is the added concern of
finding a moment to empty. Playing on the edge of a full tank is
frustrating, and the slightly narrower tube needs more air pressure (or
does it?).
4) The key of E is not a natural horn key. Are there any open notes in
the piece? Aside from E being higher than Eb, with valves down you are
playing a longer horn - higher harmonics in a lower key - and that's more
work.
{ David Goldberg: [EMAIL PROTECTED] }
{ Math Dept, Washtenaw Community College }
{ Ann Arbor Michigan }
A quite practical solution to playing this piece is to use a single Bb horn
with an A thumb valve replacing the stop tube. This type equipment is more
popular in Europe than in the USA, but is handled quite well for this piece.
Alan Civil was a devotee of this instrument, and many of the top British
players use this equipment. I have an older such Geyer instrument and have
played Auf dem Strom several times with it. With the A valve one can
eliminate a bunch of awkward fingerings with quite satisfactory alternate
fingerings; and the A slide can be pulled a bit in the last momentary rest to
get a more easily tuned low b (concert e) at the very last cadence.
I much prefer this instrument for this music than with a double horn; unless
the double were also equipped with a Stop/A valve.
A general comment, if I may. A single Bb horn should not be considered the
same as just using the Bb side of a double. The single can be mastered to
have a quite characteristic horn tone over the full range of the instrument.
I've posted the names of many fine Bb hornists in past years on the hornlist.
CORdially, Mansur's Answers
>>
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