So lately I have been waking up with a song in my head and I could not remember what it was from or where I had heard it. After being so frustrated with not remembering the name, I asked my sister if she remembered what the piece was.
The piece is Ravel's Alborada del gracioso. The reason I love this piece so much is because of the dynamic contrast between sections.
Here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zppE4rUgnm4&feature=related
At about 1:40, the flute section has a pretty cool flutter-tonguing technique. Listen to it! It sounds awesome!
And at about 2:15, the bassoon has an incredible solo. I think it is just so peaceful and reminds me of an extremely talented bassoonist from my high school band. Ever since I heard this piece, bassoon has become one of my favorite instruments to listen to. When it is played well, it has a rich full interesting sound that is different from many other instruments. Take a listen and let me know what you think!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Inconvenient...
So today is St. Patrick's Day, and while everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather and fun activities, of course there would be band rehearsal scheduled! I personally don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day for my nationality, because I am not Irish... but it is still fun to celebrate with friends. I think more of the reason of this post is because they weather is starting to get a little nicer, and today is such a gorgeous day that I don't want to do anything! No homework, no class, no band.... But, I of course have all three of those.
Once the weather gets nice at the end of the year everyone is pushing for classes to get out early so we can enjoy it! But, band rehearsal is always scheduled on the most inconvenient days. Rehearsals were scheduled on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, friends' birthdays, and other inconvenient times. Of course it only seems to interfere with social and entertaining things, but sometimes I really don't feel like going to practice. I would rather set my clarinet aside, sit out on the lawn, and enjoy the baseball game!
Once the weather gets nice at the end of the year everyone is pushing for classes to get out early so we can enjoy it! But, band rehearsal is always scheduled on the most inconvenient days. Rehearsals were scheduled on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, friends' birthdays, and other inconvenient times. Of course it only seems to interfere with social and entertaining things, but sometimes I really don't feel like going to practice. I would rather set my clarinet aside, sit out on the lawn, and enjoy the baseball game!
Friday, March 11, 2011
"Break"
Hmm... This spring break doesn't feel like much of a break. It's still stressful, busy, and I have homework! I also have to worry about another playing test when returning from break. :-/
I've been practicing a lot because, last playing test, with the stress of midterms, I didn't play nearly as well as I know I can. So, even though I have to work hard to play the pieces effortlessly, at least it is something I enjoy doing!
What I am not looking forward to is the amount of rehearsals we have after spring break. Sometimes I really wish I could just play for fun, but sometimes I feel like the symphonic band makes everything seem too forced. We should be able to just relax and play. Some people are more musical and talented than others, so it gets frustrating to keep starting and stopping at the same place in one piece if a certain section messes something up.
Music can be such a relaxing thing.. Something I always look forward to doing on my own time...
But sometimes the demands and expectations of being in a band gets to be stressful and takes the fun out of it.
I don't know, maybe I am just stressed out. Don't get me wrong, I still love playing clarinet and music... right now I just would prefer to have a little more fun with it!
I've been practicing a lot because, last playing test, with the stress of midterms, I didn't play nearly as well as I know I can. So, even though I have to work hard to play the pieces effortlessly, at least it is something I enjoy doing!
What I am not looking forward to is the amount of rehearsals we have after spring break. Sometimes I really wish I could just play for fun, but sometimes I feel like the symphonic band makes everything seem too forced. We should be able to just relax and play. Some people are more musical and talented than others, so it gets frustrating to keep starting and stopping at the same place in one piece if a certain section messes something up.
Music can be such a relaxing thing.. Something I always look forward to doing on my own time...
But sometimes the demands and expectations of being in a band gets to be stressful and takes the fun out of it.
I don't know, maybe I am just stressed out. Don't get me wrong, I still love playing clarinet and music... right now I just would prefer to have a little more fun with it!
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