Previn 4 Outings, Mvt. III

[mdc2d]

Wondering what other groups have done with tempo in this movement. Marked tempo is dotted half = ca. 58... giving it a feeling in "one", allbeit rather slow. Many recordings of top groups (i.e. Center City) take this more around quarter note = ca. 58. Doing it as marked (in our parts) sounds a little frantic, as it is basically one big lyrical trombone solo. Any thoughts?

I've also wondered if there are different editions of this piece... I have heard very minor differences with recordings and printed parts (i.e. the playing of a half note vs. two quarter notes). I did some looking around on the internet and wasn't able to find much. Thought maybe this could be the result of different editions.

Thanks!

[PhilGreen]

Hi,
Sorry for the delay in trying to answer this for you. We did it from memory a few years ago and I couldn't remember the notation so had to look it out.
We played it at around crotchet = 80 if I remember rightly. Nowhere near the marking on the music but it seemed to be one that worked for us. I have it on a PJBE disc somewhere - I'll try to find it out (and a metronome!)

A great tuba part - written for Fletch (the whole quintet not just the tuba part.)

Phil.

[mdc2d]

I also have the PJBE recording, I would say they are about the same as Center City... quarter note= around 60-70. This is very interesting. Also, the trombone solo at the top of the movement in the PJBE recording does not sound muted, whereas our edition indicates otherwise, and is also performed muted on the Center City album.

The performance practice of this movement seems to be quite consistent, but different entirely from what is printed. The overall "feel" of the movement changes quite a bit if performing the ink. I have to say the slower quarter note feel seems much more appropriate.

[mdc2d]

Yes, it is a GREAT tuba part...I very much enjoy playing it!