Solo Vs Ensemble

[XtremeEuph]

Would like to see opinions on the differences on style and phrasing between a soloist and a performer in an ensemble or orchestra. (assuming they are both classical). If I am developing into a Solo Euphoniumist, what specific skills developed should be left at home when playing within an ensemble, if any. Any changes? (other than just using little or no vibrato in the ensemble)

Discuss


Thanks



Kevin

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I would think that there is really no such thing as just "being a soloist" or just being an "ensemble player".

It seems that these are really two ends of the same continuum. When you play in a wind ensemble (particularly as a euphonium player) for instance, you spend time being an accompanist, sometimes playing the bass line, sometimes playing a harmony line. And then there are other times when you are a soloist. You wear many hats!

If you stand in front of a group as a soloist, though, there are times, depending on the music, when you are also an accompanist, but admittedly not nearly as often as your solo responsibilities.

Having said all of that, in either case it should always be about the music, and when you are a member of a wind ensemble, or orchestra, you should submit to the music, and (for better, or worse) the conductor's wishes, since he/she is in the position of decision maker for that group. When solos come up, depending on the conductor, you may have a little discretion with interpretation of the solo.

When you stand in front of the group, you have more authority with regards to musical decisions, but it should still be about the music.

[XtremeEuph]

So youre saying its about interpretation and not much more. Either way you play the line of music the as written and expected, the literature is set up for either responsibility, and your interpretation is the variable. Interesting

[tubeast]

I guess more often than not, as a soloist you want the audience to be able to tell you clearly apart from the accompanying ensemble.

In ensemble playing, I´d expect a musician to blend into the group as a whole. Your sound may be clearly distinguishable, but there may be times when you and other instruments/sections merge sounds to create a unique sound that is more than the sum of its ingredients (i.e. the audience won´t be able to tell who is playing). This may happen during solos as well, but I´d assume it´s more frequent with an ensemble.

Doesn´t really help, does it ?