2reed.net Performance

PERFORMANCE

Embouchure

Thoughts on the Embouchure: Otto Oromszegi. To the World's Bassoonists 3/3

The Benefits of Performing Chamber Music

Chamber groups come in many forms: a “garage band,” a string quartet, a voice and piano duo, or a Dixieland brass ensemble, just to name a few. If you have not been a part of a chamber music group, let me encourage you to do so. Here are the advantages you will find in a small music ensemble:

It is a more intense musical experience than playing in a large ensemble.
Every player is a soloist.
You can really hear how your part fits in with other parts.
Many times the parts are more challenging.
You get to be involved as a leader since the group usually doesn't have a conductor.
You choose the pieces to play.

Musicians need listening skills, ensemble abilities, and the aptitude to work with others. All of these skills are developed in a small group.

Why not try out some of the chamber music available on this website with some friends? See the free music on this website.

Interpretation

Interpreting Contemporary Music by Helen Bledsoe

Musical Expression by Martin Schuring, oboe, Arizona State University.

On Becoming an Artist. Terry B. Ewell, "On Klaus Thunemann and Becoming an `Artist,'" The Double Reed 15/3 (Winter 1992): 67-68. Reprinted in The Double Reed 16/3 (Winter 1993): 58-60.

On Culture and Being an Artist. Terry B. Ewell, " A Reply to Schweitzer: On the Singular Western Musical Culture and Other Misconceptions ," The Journal of the International Double Reed Society 24 (1996): 93-94.

Performance Anxiety

Be aware that the on-going use of beta blockers can be habit forming. We don't recommend beta blockers as a permanent solution for performance anxiety. Beta Blockers try to address an inner problem with a chemical solution. Here is an excellent article that addresses the pros and cons of these medications.

Beta Blockers And Performance Anxiety In Musicians. A report by the beta blocker study committee of FLUTE: Karla Harby, freelance writer and amateur flutist. Kathrin Kucharski, clinical pharmacist and amateur flutist. Sarah Tuck (committee chair) professional flutist. Julia Vasquez, professional flutist.

Learn more about Christian meditation.

Performance and Life

This excellent book will give you insights into performance from a spiritual point of view:

Patrick Kavanaugh, You Are Talented!: Discovering, Perfecting and Using Your Unique Abilities (2002). ISBN: 0800793064

Read more about the inner life of a musician on this site.

Ornamentation

Ornamentation in Mozart. David Ross, “Ornamentation in the Bassoon Music of Vivaldi and Mozart,” Part II. The Double Reed 9/3 (Winter 1986). These are notes from the Frederick Newman master classes presented at the Miller/Skinner Bassoon Symposium. These articles provide important information for double reed performers of Vivaldi’s and Mozart’s music.

Ornamentation in Vivaldi. David Ross, “Ornamentation in the Bassoon Music of Vivaldi and Mozart,” The Double Reed 9/2 (Fall 1986): 26-31 These are notes from the Frederick Newman master classes presented at the Miller/Skinner Bassoon Symposium. These articles provide important information for double reed performers of Vivaldi’s and Mozart’s music.

Baroque Ornamentation: An Introduction: Rebecca Schalk Nagel. The Journal of the International Double Reed Society No. 16, 1988.

Buying an Instrument

Advice for oboists by Martin Schuring, Arizona State University.

What Bassoon? Thoughts and Advice on Choosing a Bassoon: Graham Sheen, Stefan de Haan, John Orford, Diedre Dundas-Grant and Gareth Newman. The Double Reed, Vol. 15, No. 3 (Winter, 1992)

Advice for bassoonists by Barrick Stees, Assistant Principal Bassoon, Cleveland Orchestra.

Maintaining an Instrument

Experienced repairpersons are the best source to advice and repairs. But here are some helpful articles.

Care of the Bassoon. Gerald Corey, “Care of the Bassoon...The Importance of Regular Lubrication,” To The World’s Bassoonists 4/3 (1974/75): 3-7. This is an excellent primer for regular care of the bassoon.

Bassoon Swab. Douglas M. Huff, “The Pull-Thru Bassoon Swab: Its Components, Construction and Use,” The Double Reed 2/4 [renumbered 3/1] (April 1980): 21-23.

Making a Bassoon Guard. Terry B. Ewell, " Another Make It Yourself Bassoon Guard," The Double Reed 18/3 (Winter 1995): 83-84. Keeps your pants from getting stuck in bassoon keywork!

How is Your Bassoon? (JNL #2, 1974, pp. 7-20): L. Hugh Cooper