Variations on "America"

ubertuba · Post by **ubertuba** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:30 pm

Here's a question for you military guys, or I guess someone who just knows band lit...

In the Ives - Schuman Variations on "America", what do you think is a pretty standard tempo for the section at Q marked "meno mosso"? I'm supposed to play this for my college placement and would like a better idea of the tempo for those staccato 16ths than "less than 138".

Also, no excerpts are marked in the copy the school gave me, and they gave me the whole 3 page piece.

As a bonus question, does anybody know what parts I might have to perform?

Thanks!

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:19 pm

If you have time,find a recording.An informed panel will really notice the difference between just right notes and really playing the piece...

Scott C · Post by **Scott C** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:29 pm

UBERTUBA:

This is a great excerpt!

Tempo fluctuates between conductors. Some get excited and the tempo flies (hold on) some are strict adherents, and some are all over.

I assume you are refering to Q, recommended tempo about 120, don't forget the cresc one before R, and the noted articulations. The meno slows to about 100, but a perceptible difference from the previous tempo is what I interpret as the composers intent.

Just play it VERY CLEAN....

excerpts:
K to L (note it's in 6 / 8 )
L to M (SOLO)
Q to end

sc

ubertuba · Post by **ubertuba** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:17 pm

Thanks guys! Anybody have a recommended recording? I have a few weeks...

I'll work up those sections and, as always, try not to play "shitty"

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:59 am

I thought it would be fun to do this as a solo with organ, using the original music Malcolm had in his library;

http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=679274&t=412

CB

Tom Holtz · Post by **Tom Holtz** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:43 am

The meaty stuff at Q, in the original organ piece, is all in the foot pedals. Most (not all) band directors will slow this down according to Ives' markings, since most organists will have to slow down a lot just to survive this passage in the original.

I'm with the others. Just play it cleanly, and with no fluctuations in tempo. Don't try to play it as fast as this guy...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gZCNDhlAW4o

Granted, this looks really impressive, but I'm about 3000% sure this is not what the director/professor wants.