Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1

johntpt · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 6:25 am Post subject:

I have some questions for those of you who have played this piece. Where did you play from? Did you sit or stand, and did you play from near the piano or from behind the strings? What mute did you use for the slow movement? Did you play from memory? Any other comments or strories?

Feel free to discuss great performances you have heard live as well.

Lately this forum has become a gold mine of information and anecdotes from some of the best musicians in our field. Bravo to all and let's keep the posts coming!

JU

Brewblue1 · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:01 am Post subject:

Ive sat both behind the strings, and in front of them near the piano. Either works. Achieving the proper balance is paramount. It might depend on the size of the string section. A smaller section might dicate sitting behind, a larger, you can move up front.

Ive never seen anyone stand while performing this, but it probably has been done. Its a long time to stand for not as much playing as an actual "solo" concerto for trumpet, though.

My fav mute for this excerpt is a Chicago Blue Mute. I dont know if they are still available, but it works just great! Nice soft, ethereal sound.

Its very easy to think that this work, like others of Shosti, should be loud and that one should bury the band, ala Symphony 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, etc. I think its important to try to approach this music more like chamber music. While the end is indeed loud, it should sparkle, rather than pierce. Ive heard way too many performances of this work with the trumpeter just blowing their head off every time the part enters. Again, it will depend on the string section size as too how big or loud you will be able to play. The trumpet is going to be heard, its timbre is just so different than the rest of the ensemble. Strive for a sound that, while blending with the ensemble, offers a hint the brilliance that the trumpet is known for in the music of Shostakovich.

Only story I can tell is about a performance I did of this great work, and trying not to wet myself onstage as the pianist took the already really fast final movement EVEN FASTER in the show. Quadruple tongue, dont fail me now!!!!

Have fun!

John
_________________
John Marchiando
University of New Mexico
New Mexico Philharmonic
Shires Artist
Tromba Mundi
Summit Brass

Mzony · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:45 pm Post subject:

I have sat in the curve of the piano and at the side of the conductor. I prefered the curve of the piano, couldn't see the conductor.

Mike

trumpjosh · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:33 pm Post subject:

Mzony · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:04 am Post subject:

Jimmy D. is one of the greates guys and perhaps the greatest musician to play a trombone...Will definitley say hi for you.

Mike

no_tone · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:42 pm Post subject:

I heard Kevin Good play it approx 5 years ago. I think he was in front. I guess he can say for sure. BTW, sounded great!
-Steve

[ This Message was edited by: no_tone on 2004-03-27 23:42 ]

[ This Message was edited by: no_tone on 2004-03-27 23:50 ]

captain canuck · Regular Member Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 83

Hey John,
never performed it but have been in the audience on a few occasions.
We did it here in Monterrey a while back - Susumu stood on a riser way in the back, seemed a little awkward - too far removed from the group.
Have seen the tpt player in between the 1st and 2nd violins.
Larry Weeks with Toronto (back in the mid 90's) sat in a row alone right behind the strings.
Hope things are well with "Batman" in Toluca
"Signing off from CarASSco land"
Geoff