Tempo of Hindemith Movement 2

jblo · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:24 am Post subject:

I have a great recording of the Hindemith by Robert Steven, but noticed he playes the second movement significantly faster than the prescribed tempo of 100. He playes it nearly the same tempo as the first movement. I personally like playing the second movement that tempo but is that kosher? I just played the 1st and 2nd movements for a jury with the second movement just a bit slower than the first, around 112-120, and my teacher wasn't thrilled about the tempo. Is there a precedent for playing it at the faster tempo? Why would Stevens recorded it faster than prescribed by Hindemith?
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Jason Blome

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CGUM · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 2:55 am Post subject:

Robert Stevens? Do you mean Tom Stevens?

Just curious.

jblo · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 11:33 am Post subject:

Yes...I think I mean Tom...I don't know. I don't have the recording in front of me. He is/was the principle trumpet for LA Symphony Orchestra. The recording is on the Crystal label.
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Jason Blome

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patrick32378 · Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 9:09 pm Post subject:

Good ol Robby Stevens.

music matters · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 10:47 pm Post subject:

Can I ask about the tempo of the first mvement as well?

On my edition the first movement is 96-100 which is much slower than you are implying your edition states. The 2nd movement is 100. I have been working on the 1st movement which I just recently performed as a performance assessment. The assesor was very encouraging about my playing and did not comment on the tempo so I assume it was in keeping with the piece and appropriate. Marsalis plays the 1st movement at about 120 (which I think is personally too fast) and another recording I have is at 100 which I think is a tad slow. I have settled on 108 for the first movement which I personally like the best but is faster than my edition states but seems a lot slower than you are performing it.

What tempo are you actually playing the 1st movement?

What a great piece of music though! I play through that and the Haydn every day just for fun - it keeps me in good shape! Do you all find it hard to lock in with the piano at the end or was it just me! - I had to work on it for ages with the pianist! Lovely when it comes together though.

NYCTPT · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 6:06 am Post subject:

I think it was Mr. Vacchiano, but I could be wrong about that, who had lunch with Hindemith and asked him about the tempo of the first movement. Mr. Hindemith told him it was a misprint and that it should have read quarter = 116. As far as the second mvt. goes......I hear it around 100bpm.

jblo · Posted: Sat May 22, 2004 1:51 am Post subject:

Definitely a fun piece. I'd like to do it for my senior receital.

My copy of the piece is printed by Schott, or something like that. I think it's a German publishing company. I think the first movement is marked around 116-120...anyway, that's what I was performing it at. The second movement is clearly marked 100, but it just seems a little dull to me. But like I said, I'm used to the recording and Stevens plays the second movement at at least 120. At that tempo, it's nice and light and bouncy. It seemed a little fast though and I settled for about 112. I guess I ought to get used to playing it slower and listen to some other recordings.
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Jason Blome

Bb - CarolBrass CTR-5205L-YLT-P
Cornet - CarolBrass CCR-6880-YLS-P
C - CarolBrass CTR-6262H-YSS-P-C
Flug - CarolBrass CFL-6200-RSS-L
Picc - CarolBrass CPC-7735F-YLS-P