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Archive for the ‘Phrasing’ Category

Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra (Movement I-Allegro spiritoso)  by Joseph Haydn

Published by Oxford University Press

Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra (Movement I-Allegro spiritoso) by Joseph Haydn

Published by Oxford University Press

# 1

This is a wonderful movement for young advanced oboists. It is a good “first” classical concerto to perform in public with piano or with orchestra. Many young oboist have been successful in concerto competitions with this piece memorizing the entire movement and the cadenza.

# 2

The tempo is Allegro spiritoso and is performed in cut time with the half note receiving the beat. A good tempo is M.M.= 60. You can vary the tempo up or down; however, the first step is a steady tempo in your public performance after weeks of practicing.

# 3

The opening at letter D requires the oboist to stretch the sixteenths notes and not play this four note pattern fast the the tempo of the movement. Think of pulling the bow through the four sixteenth notes. As you approach high “C” be sure to start very soft gradually crescendo to forte and increase your vibrato width as you do so. Remember that there is a fermata in addition to the long high “C”. Take you rtime as you descend down the C major scale and hold the low C. Do not be in a hurry.

# 4

As you begin the ascent up the scale to the high “G” with a fermata you can accelerate those four eighth notes (e,g,c,e). AS you descend the scale starting on “G#” take your time at first accelerate your tempo, and finally slow down and begin you trill (C to D). Trill slow to fast and hold the “C”. Play the three grace notes slowly to cue your accompanist or the conductor. Do not play these three notes fast. They are designed to prepare the orchestra to begin playing.

# 5

The music moves in a scale wise style in C major and then half way through letter E the music moves into D major. Fourteen measures after G the music continues step wise in the key of G and then into A minor before letter H. After H the music goes back to the same melody as the beginning (recapitulation).

# 6

Throughout the piece have a flexible reed to perform both high and low notes is important. As the piece comes to the end before letter K there is a very technical section that will need some drill and practice. Practice the ending very slowly, be patient, keep your fingers close to the keys, and memorize this section for the best results. The music ends at letter K.

# 7

The cadenza is thrilling. Remember to adjust the tempo from gradually slow to gradually faster to gradually slower throughout. Again, memorize this cadenza for the best performance results. Start your practice of the cadenza very slow and even to start and them begin to increase the tempo and finally implement the varied tempos in cadenza style.

# 8

In a concerto of this length practicing one section at a time at a slower speed with much drill and practice daily will give you the best result. Your goal is to hear the music first and play the music second. Hearing the music will help you tremendously with your memorization. Give yourself 3-4 months to prepare this for a public performance. This is a great piece for local concerto competitions. Be sure to listen to a recording of the piece by a professional oboist before you start. Begin with the end in mind.