Thank you, Mr. Scheffelman. For the record, my teacher is not forcing me to
play the Serenade. I am doing so of my own volition, because the opportunity
to learn the piece presented itself. I have the finest pianist available to
students playing my recital, and a professional tenor who offered to sing free
of charge because he loves the piece. I am not using strings because my
school, while having a fine band department, lacks talent in the string area.
If you could hear my orchestra, you would prefer the piano accompaniment, too.
I am playing the Serenade because I love the piece, I wanted a challenge, and
I know that I may not have another opportunity to do this. My teacher has
allowed me to play it, but did not force it upon me. He has allowed me to
choose all of my own music, which I appreciate. It allows me to explore my
tastes.
I want to thank the three people who have offered helpful comments (two of
them off list). I was not asking for opinion on playing with the piano, just
for help explaining things to the audience. I am using my recital as an
opportunity to introduce my fellow musicians to pieces that they may not be
familiar with, and to let people know what you can do if you try.
Unfortunately, I cannot afford to hire myself an orchestra, or I would. The
piano will suffice, she's doing admirably.
Anna
date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 10:40:38 -0700 (PDT)
from: matthew scheffelman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
subject: [Hornlist] Britten Serenade with Piano
The Britten Serenade with piano is fine when it is
done with a master pianist. Of course it is not ideal,
but it works well, sounds full enough to be effective
and is very good music. By the way, in a recital
setting, it matches well with some other Ben Britten
works, tenor, horn and piano.
A dogmatic approach like I have heard ( "should not be
done with piano") only leads to dogmatic playing and
repertoire one might miss.
Lets hold out for some real issues to completely say
no to, rather than leaving out concertos, and rep.
such as the Serenade. If my student falls in love with
the Britten, why would I not be a vehicle for them to
perform it? If the student fails to gather the proper
forces( strings), it is my duty to help them make the
best possible performance with piano...
Matthew Scheffelman
Horn Professor, CSU, Fort Collins
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