Week 2: obstacles

Despite technological woes (namely, the apparent comatose state of my computer), we find ourselves bravely forging ahead, gentle solfeggists!

So, given that my current state of affairs has me thinking on resourcefulness and how we as humans and musicians work our way around and through obstacles, I thought it appropriate to choose examples this week that lead you to re-examine some of the tools we talked about a few weeks back. I speak, of course, of tools of the trade that help us with chromatic passages, nasty leaps, troublesome ranges, etc.

Rising Level 2's:
Make chapter 9 of the Ottman your special study this week...V7 and the intervals derived from it, plus other diatonic seventh leaps are the challenge of this chapter. What can you use to help tame these beasties? How about harmonic savvy (and judicious use of the piano to play underlying harmonies), writing in syllables in one or two tricky spots, firm acquaintance with rhythm before you tackle pitches, audiating the dominant and tonic throughout the example, etc. Choose whatever 6 examples you like (1 per day), but at least take a stab at 9.38...it's wicked, but short and beautiful.

Rising Level 3's:
I would like for you folks to tackle some rhythmic exercises in addition to melodic exercises this week. Choose any 3 exercises from 10.65-10.79 and any 3 from 12.50-12.60 (one in alto clef would be fun, don't you think?). Perform the rhythmic duets as a solo performer (either each hand taps a line or speak one line and tap the other) and use the techniques mentioned under the rising level 2's assignment as needed for the melodic exercises.

Rising Level 4's
Look at canons 5, 6, & 7 in the Classical Canons book. Sing through one voice part per day (noting that #5 has one part, #6 has two, and #7 has three) and make observations about the difficulties of each: rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, etc. Be clever in the ways you overcome these challenges, engaging with your renwed acquaintance with music across time to decide what one might expect to discover in canons of this era.

As always, all are warmly invited to ask me for any help or advice you may require. Good luck!