Petruschka (triplets and stuff)

Schof · Post by **Schof** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:32 pm

In this book there is a song Petruschka by Igor Strawinsky. I'm not sure if that is the right name because this book is in German. Anyway, this song has a bunch of triplets, then septuplets(heptuplets?)? and pentuplets, octuplets, and triplets within other triplets, and they have little rests within the septuplats and pentuplets(the song is in 3/4 by the way). Does anyone have any tips on how to make these easier to count?

On a less related note, this book also has a few songs that have what appear to be slurs, but the slur lines are dotted. What does that mean?

Schof · Post by **Schof** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 8:18 pm

Do you mean lagato? My friend said those slurs might be optional. Does that sound right?

boglarka · Post by **boglarka** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 11:08 pm

The slurs might be optional or they might mean portamento (it's hard to tell for sure not seeing it). Too bad you don't speak the language in which the book was published because this notation might be explained in the preface.

As far as Petrushka goes, you just have to count it, but to get a better idea, get a recording of this fantastic piece and listen to it!

Schof · Post by **Schof** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:07 pm

The book has translations for the preface and little edit notes, pretty much just the titles don't have English translations.

I was hoping for some tricks on counting them (the triplets), but I guess you just count them the long way. All well.
The only recordings I could find online were sample-y things, but it's not like I have a deadline ot learn it or anything I was just wondering if there was an easier way.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jessika · Post by **Jessika** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:38 pm

For counting strange groupings, my teacher always told me to divide it up into smaller groups. For example, I had one piece with some 15's so I counted it in my head as 3 5's. For 7s, maybe try a 3 and a 4 - I've never heard this piece, but I'm assuming it's pretty fast, so the purpose of those divisions isn't to be exact, it's more so that the composer can write down all the notes he wants played, the most important part is to create a feeling of movement in what you're playing. Again, just a guess, but could the rests within the pent/septuplets be telling you when to catch a breath or place special emphasis on the note right before or after them? My best advice would be to show it to your teacher if you've got one and go through it with them to make sense of it all.

svenjavd · Post by **svenjavd** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:12 pm

try giving series of notes words to go with - pineapple for 3, watermelon for 4, not sure for 5, it is not difficult for 6 (my orchestra conductor's favourite) and so on - if it helps write them under the notes, then practice singing the piece using the words with a metronome - believe me it helps, i was told to do this by a pro on tour in europe who has trouble with weird sub-rhythms!!!

hope this helps!