Tutors: BRENDAN O'DONNELL

Session 1: Technique class -  We will not necessarily play all the notes of all the set pieces. We will use parts of these works to identify and practice various techniques as required by the class. We do not expect you to have mastered all the notes by the course.

25 Capricen in 12 Keys from 18th Century

 Capricio 1 (p.2-3): Focus on slow and clean slurs with good breath support. Don’t worry about dynamics; we will discuss these together.

Presto 19 (p.20-21): Work this up to the fastest tempo you feel comfortable with, single-tonguing – breathing where necessary! We will use this as a basis to work on double-tonguing

From Etüden und Solostücke (Braun/Fischer)

p. 48 Allegro moderato – Jacques Féréol Mazas

Here we are trying to emphasise the two “voices” created by the triplet groups, in this case the lower, more melodic line contrasted with an ongoing upper line serving a pedal function. The challenge is to make the generally higher notes sound weaker by playing with short but gentle articulation, while the first note of each triplet is longer and stronger.

p. 54 “One finger only” Übung – Winfried Michel

We are not going to try to play this at speed! This study should only require you to move one finger for each change of note. While you are encouraged to try the whole thing, we will focus on the first five systems, and just look at a few moments in the rest of the piece to illustrate particular techniques and fingerings. Note the alternative fingerings listed on p. 56, and the use of “sputato” (literally “spat” notes - short, sharp, over-articulated staccato).