Valparaiso, Indiana

Archive for the ‘Time Signature’ Category

Sonata in A Minor ( Movement I-Siciliana)  by George Philip Telemann

Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.

This piece of part of a collection of oboe solos titled SOLOS FOR THE OBOE PLAYER  Edited by Whitney Tustin

# 1

A Siciliana is a dance in a very specific 12/8 compound rhythmic style-dotted eighth-sixteenth-eight rhythm.  The piece is in A minor with no sharps or flats in the key signature. However, there are a number of accidentals including: G#, F#, D#, Bb. and C#.  The beat is felt in four beats per measure with the dotted quarter receiving each beat.

# 2

It is important that the pick-up note to each phrase and the subsequent downbeat note are linked together in an up bow – down bow-type feeling.  At letter A we have a series of long notes that require a beautiful vibrato if possible. It not, a crescendo-diminuendo pattern on the long notes will add interest to the melodic line.  Breathing at the end of the one-measure phrases is best throughout the piece.

# 3

At letter B we have an interesting syncopated rhythmic patterns starting in the second measure.  It is important to mark all 12 beats in this measure to be sure the syncopated rhythmic pattern is being performed accurately.  This is followed by extended long notes on “Bb” and “D” and another syncopated pattern a letter C.  Again marking all 12 beats in the first measure at letter C will be helpful.

# 4

Throughout this piece the dynamics are critically important.  There is a lot of piano and pianissimo playing with crescendos and diminuendos that add excitement to the piece.  The last phrase of the piece ends on an “A”.  It is important that this note not start so soft that there is no room for a diminuendo.  At the end of the piece do not move and allow the audience to enjoy the last sounds of the music without any visual movement.

# 5

Having the correct reed with a broad dynamic range for this movement is most important.  There are opportunities for a number of nuances in the piece including vibrato,  exaggerated dynamics, and rubato.  Intonation is critical with this piece as the melody centers around the note “A”.  Combining this movement with one of the fast movements of this Sonata creates a magnificent performance for school recitals, concerts, or solo and ensemble contests.  Give yourself 6-8 weeks to practice this movement and perform it for friends, family, and classmates before playing the piece in public

# 6

There is a YouTube video of the above information including performance demonstrations of the content listed above.  Go to our home page and click on INTERMEDIATE OBOE.  This will connect you to YouTube where you can click on # 15 to see the video.  Good luck with all your practicing and performances.