Valparaiso, Indiana

Sonata in A Minor ( Movement II-Spiritoso)  by George Philip Telemann

Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.

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

# 1

This piece is in A minor with no sharps or flats.  The pieces futures the oboists’ technique and articulation skills.  Thus, a good light reed with an easy response is needed for the best performance

# 2

The melodic patterns include a mix of stepwise melodic lines interspersed with melodic chord patterns (arpeggios) throughout the movement.  Keeping your fingers relaxed and close to the keys at all times helps with one’s techniques and accuracy

# 3

The tempo is Spiritoso similar the Haydn Concerto for oboe and orchestra.  An ideal tempo is M.M.=120 with the quarter note receiving one beat.  However, the piece can be played at a slightly slower tempo with excitement.  The key to success is a steady tempo with rhythmic patterns not rushed.  Good note accuracy and good articulation are paramount with this Spiritoso style.  The oboist needs to think like a trumpeter throughout the music with as much performance brilliance and excitement as possible. Although there are not staccato indications in the music the notes need to have have some space and a light bounce-like style to achieve the composer’s expectations

# 4

At letter A   in the second and third measures there are wonderful syncopated rhythmic patterns with ornaments  that need to be played accurately.  Marking the downbeats in these bars will help.

# 5

Articulation is paramount in this movement.  Every player has there own feelings about how the articulate the reeds most comfortably.  However, this movement requires a second look at one’s choice for articulation and the placement of the tongue on the reed for the best trumpet-like articulation style.

# 6

Note the dynamics throughout the piece.  Telemann is asking the oboist to demonstrate their skills with repeated crescendo and diminuendo playing with a poco rit.  ( a little slowing down) and mordant to end the movement.

# 7

The combination of this lively second movement with the first movement of this piece makes a terrific presentation for recitals, concerts, or solo and ensemble contest performances.

# 8

The above content is presented on YouTube where you can hear and see oboe performances of this movement.  Go to our home page and to the right of the page click on ADVANCED OBOE and you will connect with the YouTube video performances of advanced oboists.  Click on #12 for this movement.  Good luck with all your practicing and performances.