Hey, I am currently working on Charles T. Griffes "Poem", and I was wondering if anyone on here has played this piece? If so, could you tell me any expieriances you had with it? Any certain approaches to the piece? I like my professor's approach to the piece, but I would like to get a wider input on the piece than just one person's. It isnt that I dont trust her, but I would just like a more rounded approach.
And, what I mean by approach, I mean like overall tone, mood, performance tips specifically, any thoughts about the background of the piece (perhaps the composer's intentions, "story" behind the piece).
Any remarks about this piece whatsoever would be really appreciated.
Griffes --- Poem
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Griffes Poem
Hey Fluteguy18;
Well, I've played the Griffes two or three times in concert. While parts are considered to be a bit of a challenge, the lyric lines make up for those pesky double-tongue sections. Just as the title implies, this is a "poem." A musical example, or tone poem, of what poetry tells in words. Sounds far fetched, I know. But, I look at this piece from several angles. This piece lets you master tonal flexibilty and control, while integrating solid flute techniques.
The piece is constructed in a variation of the ABA (sonata) format. Music theorists will disagree most profoundly....tough! Get over it. The opening line has a haunting character that sets the stage for a bit of intense American Romantic Music-making, followed by a robust technical section that can have an aggitated, almost panic stricken feeling, then a return to the romance and haunting character that started the whole show.
Don't be afraid to hold back, yes hold back, the emotional tempo tampering most flutists use in the opening. Let the tone colors create the mood of the opening statement. The technical section will sound more exciting if it is not pushed to the extreme, just to play fast. Let the CLEAN articulations and range of the flute do the acrobatics for you.
Well, I've said my bit. Have fun!!
Well, I've played the Griffes two or three times in concert. While parts are considered to be a bit of a challenge, the lyric lines make up for those pesky double-tongue sections. Just as the title implies, this is a "poem." A musical example, or tone poem, of what poetry tells in words. Sounds far fetched, I know. But, I look at this piece from several angles. This piece lets you master tonal flexibilty and control, while integrating solid flute techniques.
The piece is constructed in a variation of the ABA (sonata) format. Music theorists will disagree most profoundly....tough! Get over it. The opening line has a haunting character that sets the stage for a bit of intense American Romantic Music-making, followed by a robust technical section that can have an aggitated, almost panic stricken feeling, then a return to the romance and haunting character that started the whole show.
Don't be afraid to hold back, yes hold back, the emotional tempo tampering most flutists use in the opening. Let the tone colors create the mood of the opening statement. The technical section will sound more exciting if it is not pushed to the extreme, just to play fast. Let the CLEAN articulations and range of the flute do the acrobatics for you.
Well, I've said my bit. Have fun!!
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
very interesting. Thanks. I really appreciate it. My professor has approached it completely differently [she has approached it by means of music theory and modes and such]. So when it comes to structure, I understand it quite well, but as for interp, she has sort of thrown me to the sharks with only one recording as a reference.
Very helpful.
Thanks.
Very helpful.
Thanks.