A very interesting topic.
Last night I performed the Gounod Petite Symphonie. I chose to let my second
horn player play first part for the last two movements. In some rehearsals
we did not change seats (I stayed on the left) but when we did switch, it
suddenly seemed easier to tune and balance. In the performance we did switch
seats. I suspect my comfort with sitting left to right is more based on what
I have gotten used to over the years.
It is my understanding that the principal sets the volume level that the
others balance to, but we also know that good intonation comes from
listening down to the bottom voices. I admit it is sometimes difficult to
hear what exactly is going on at the other end of the section.
It reminds me: We had a favorite exercise in HS band where we would sit in
one large circle facing the center. You were not allowed to sit near anyone
from your section. It was not practical in some ways, but it did a lot to
illustrate things that we had been blind to.
It takes a little getting used to, but I have had positive experiences with
"riding the bus" or "family car." (2 rows, 2x2). When the horn section from
our local symphony gave a quartet recital last year, they sat this way. But
I think I would still prefer to face my friends in chamber music when there
is no conductor.
Steve
_________________________________________________________________
Exercise your brain! Try Flexicon.
http://games.msn.com/en/flexicon/default.htm?icid=flexicon_hmemailtaglineapril07
_______________________________________________
post: horn@music.memphis.edu
unsubscribe or set options at
http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
