BERNSTEIN, Leonard
Sonata for clarinet and piano
I. Grazioso
Karl-Heinz Steffens, guest professor
Irvin Venys, student
Ofelia Montalván, accompanying pianist
The first correction that Professor Steffens makes refers to the character of the movement and the most appropriate phrasing to achieve this “Grazioso” character, almost as one. After some further indication on the phrasing, he suggests using more vibrato in a passage to avoid it sounding boring; it should be more exciting. He associates a certain moment of the piano with the style of Aaron Copland and even Hindemith, and they discuss the composer’s state of mind when he wrote this work: it is in the line of West Side Story.
Afterwards, the professor makes some indication on the understanding, phrasing, and articulation in certain passages. Later on, it is recommended that the student make another color in a passage with low notes to obtain the seriousness that the moment requires. They make more comments on Leonard Bernstein and his taste for transitions, in which the student should revel and agogically linger a little more to emphasize the entrances to the new harmonies (it may also help to make a small crescendo on the long note of the phrase).
Finally, the professor emphasizes the importance of the piano and clarinet being in tune and going together.
Language: English
