Britten Spring Symphony

jmh3412 · Post by **jmh3412** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 8:12 pm

Hi,

due to play this piece in a couple of weeks - never heard it.

(I also seem to have been nominated to double on Cowhorn !! - doubling fee here I come).

Any observations / comments............................

jmh3412 · Post by **jmh3412** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:09 pm

rodmathews · Post by **rodmathews** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:29 pm

We played the Spring Symphony last year in the Santa Rosa Symphony, and it was a very interesting piece. Nothing too hard, but there are a few good licks with the bass trombone. There are also a few places where the tuba is extremely exposed, but the parts lay well on a CC tuba.

As part of my preparation, I bought a recording of the piece with Previn and the LSO, which was quite good.

Get used to a few chuckles from folks the first time you play the cow horn part. It's a very prominent "call," and I believe it's while the children's chorus is singing. Basically, you are just doing a really loud glissando up to one of the available notes on the cow horn. Our principal trombonist played the part. I seem to remember him standing up when he played the part, but I'm not sure if that was the composer's wish, the conductor's wish, or if he just wanted the extra attention!

There is a score available as well. I bought mine at the Boosey & Hawkes shop in London while over on a trip, and you might be able to find it in a good music library. The parts are rental parts, so the librarian should have a part available for you shortly.

Have fun!
Rod Mathews
San Jose, California

AndyCat · Post by **AndyCat** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:29 am

Nothing too hard, but there are a few good licks with the bass trombone.

Well, I'll be the bass trombone next to Jon for this one, so battle should be good!

Although after the Schubert Mass this weekend, it should be a walk in the park!