JS Bach Bourree

[Fox]

For JS Bach's Bourree from Orchestral Suite #3 (BWV 1068), what speed should this be played? I'm just now starting to play it at 60bpm.

[Zevang]

60 bpm is a good start point, though far from the ideal tempo.

But sincerely, there is no such thing like the "right tempo" this peace should be played with.
There is the tempo that is comfortable for you in particular.
If you want to show off technical skills and stuff, you could pick 120 bpm as a goal.
Now if your desire is to express the notes in a more musical manner, perhaps 100 or less would be ideal.
It's up to you to choose the aspect that capture more your interest and maybe that shows what's best in your flute playing.

[Fox]

Thanks Zevang! I'm going to have to speed it up some. Maybe go up to 90 or 100. Although, I do think I might be doing more than what's required for the ABRSM grade.

[Zevang]

Fine! Good luck! Keep us posted about it.

[Fox]

Here's it is ... sounds like I'm still on grade 1!

http://youtu.be/fdEf5pemVuE

[James_Alto]

It's much better than Grade 1!

I find it strange, partly I'm used to hearing this on a baroque flute, so hearing it on a metal flute it sounds less rounded.

You're doing fine though - how long have you been practising at it?

Keep going - you might really enjoy the Partita in A minor!

[Fox]

Thanks! I've been working on this piece for a while ... I went to my teacher yesterday and I played it for her (without a metronome). There were various mistakes I made which are part of what I'm learning now ... things like timing of notes.

Not sure if I'll record a second version - I am definitely over this piece after practicing it so much. I already have the next piece lined up and by the looks of it ... it's going to take me ages to get it.

[numptie]

Nice to hear you've got this far!

I'm about the same standard too - I play really slowly but I've only been playing for <1 year really.

what are you going to tackle next?

[Fox]

Well, after considering making a new version of that video ... cause the critiques I got from my teacher keeps bothering me. There is one part where I am not playing it how it's written, but I don't think I'll make a new version - trying not to obsess over it.

gaah - ok, the new tune I am going to work on is Schubert's Military March #1 from Opus 51. This one is going to be quite difficult because it goes through all three octaves.

[Phineas]

Fox,

I watched the youtube.

Your biggest issue that I can hear is your breathing. I notice you are constantly running out of breath. You work on that, you will nail this piece!

Practicing where to breathe is a major part of rehearsing a piece. At least as important as learning the notes.

Phineas

[Fox]

Thanks Phineas!! Not only breathing but supporting my tone with my diaphragm. Trevor Wye has an exercise for that and I keep meaning to work on it. I'm going to start doing it at work!

[tracybrser]

Fine! Good luck! Keep us posted about it.