New/old composition: Dithyramb (need oboe/clarinet player)

[Ephemerid]

I've been digging through some of my old compositions from my music school days (like from 18 years ago!) and I'm trying to salvage at least a couple of them, revising them, and maybe hopefully picking up some new things, if I can stick with it...

Anyway, there's one piece I'm particularly proud of, my little "Dithyramb" which I originally scored for solo oboe, though I'm not sure if clarinet or even bassoon might sound better or be more playable...?

I originally wrote it in 1992 & did have it performed, but on soprano saxophone though there was little rehearsal time & I wasn't completely happy with it (the performance or my composition).  Its only about 3 and a half minutes in length.  It was my one (and probably only) foray into 12-tone composition, and I wanted to do something quirky, jaunty and fun. 

My problem is a matter of playability and also the timbre (like I wouldn't want it for clarinet if it sounded a bit too shrill, though I could transpose it down a few steps).  It looks good on paper, but can it be executed without any awkwardness?  And is it any good? 

Its not a great piece by any means, being a student work, and I'm really rusty too.  I recently bought a scoring programme and I'll have a revised version of the score completed by Monday. 

Is there anyone here who would be interested in performing (and perhaps recording) this for me on oboe and/or clarinet?  Then if those musician(s) might be able to point out some things that are awkward to me (like certain fingerings or jumps in register, phrasing, etc.) so I can see what I can do to fix those problems.  I'd also like to upload the sound file(s) for some folks hear to listen to to critique it. 

Any takers?  Please let me know here or PM me and I'll send you a copy of the manuscript once I've finished it.

thanks bunches,
~josh

[Ephemerid]

To add: Even if a performer can't record their performance of the piece, some thoughts on playability would still be nice. 

[Cato]

I've been digging through some of my old compositions from my music school days (like from 18 years ago!) and I'm trying to salvage at least a couple of them, revising them, and maybe hopefully picking up some new things, if I can stick with it...

Anyway, there's one piece I'm particularly proud of, my little "Dithyramb" which I originally scored for solo oboe, though I'm not sure if clarinet or even bassoon might sound better or be more playable...?

I originally wrote it in 1992 & did have it performed, but on soprano saxophone though there was little rehearsal time & I wasn't completely happy with it (the performance or my composition).  Its only about 3 and a half minutes in length.  It was my one (and probably only) foray into 12-tone composition, and I wanted to do something quirky, jaunty and fun. 

(My emphasis)


You might also consider an Eb clarinet, if it truly is dithyrambic. 

[Demonic Clarinet]

I haven't played soprano clarinet in awhile, nor am I incredibly good at it, but I could give it a shot, not sure. I play Soprano, Alto, Contra-Alto and Bass clarinets if you're interested.

[karlhenning]

Josh, I'm not sure how I missed this earlier.  Send it on over.

[Ephemerid]

I haven't played soprano clarinet in awhile, nor am I incredibly good at it, but I could give it a shot, not sure. I play Soprano, Alto, Contra-Alto and Bass clarinets if you're interested.

Josh, I'm not sure how I missed this earlier.  Send it on over.

Cool!  Thank you *both* of you, Demonic Clarinet & Karl!   

I've got a technical issue with the program I'm using but I'll work it out tonight-- I can't seem to export the score into a hi-res .jpg (or, rather, I can, but its HUGE!!) -- I'll fiddle with it a bit tonight. 

Even just reviewing the score would be a great help!

I assume this is something I can send via PM?  If not, you could always PM me your e-mail addresses or something like that.

Thank you!! 

~josh

[karlhenning]

You couldn't print it to a pdf file instead?

[Ephemerid]

You couldn't print it to a pdf file instead?

Karl, I'll try that-- I'm using Magic score 5 and I'm new to the program-- I'll see if I can do it that way!

[Demonic Clarinet]

If you could send me a copy down one or two octaves I could see about trying it on the lower clarinets, as well (Up to you of course)

Keep in mind of course I am far from a professional player so it may take me a bit of time, and my recording equipment isn't great.


By the way, karlhenning, what instrument are you doing it on?

[Ephemerid]

If you could send me a copy down one or two octaves I could see about trying it on the lower clarinets, as well (Up to you of course)

Keep in mind of course I am far from a professional player so it may take me a bit of time, and my recording equipment isn't great.

I'm just grateful for anyone to look at it at this stage!    The range isn't that big so I'm not sure there will be any transposition needed (as far as fingerings go). 

Oh, just got your e-mail addy.  I'll e-mail it to you now! 

thanks so much!
~josh

[karlhenning]

By the way, karlhenning, what instrument are you doing it on?

Not the oboe 

[karlhenning]

It all looks readily playable, Josh.  With your permission, I'll include this in a couple of recital programs this spring.

[Ephemerid]

It all looks readily playable, Josh.  With your permission, I'll include this in a couple of recital programs this spring.

really? 

yes, that would be great, Karl!  wow!  thank you!  (sorry this is a rather hurried message-- been very crazy here lately!)

~josh

[Ephemerid]

one quick question, Karl: what instrument do you have in mind?

[karlhenning]

Oh, you know, the one I play 

[karlhenning]

One thing is, I was confused, and in fact I only have one recital date this spring.

[lukeottevanger]

one quick question, Karl: what instrument do you have in mind?

From his obfuscations I get the feeling that Karl isn't quite sure.  Better retitle your piece Ditheramb.....

[Ephemerid]

From his obfuscations I get the feeling that Karl isn't quite sure.  Better retitle your piece Ditheramb.....

LOL

As long as it isn't on kazoo!   

[karlhenning]

LOL

As long as it isn't on kazoo!   

Josh, I play the clarinet, thus:

[karlhenning]

 

And so, I am actually not commenting on its playability on the oboe . . . .