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Re: Soprano players

On Wed, 5 Nov 1997, David Cooper wrote:

> I think the soprano cornet is an exceptionally difficult instrument to
> play WELL. It requires not only control but power, and the parts being
> written these days require the same dexterity as solo cornet players.
> 
> But how do you measure the best from the rest ?? Some (as we have seen)
> like the Crockford/Fielding style, which can sound superb. Others prefer
> a more restrained approach. However, I believe that the best have the
> flexibility to do both well, and lets face it, not many do.

A good sop player can be exilerating and really raise the sound of a band
by soaring over the top....

As you know thats not just it, you have to maintain tone when doing it,
and have a sweet tone available for solos.  It's knowing how to play 4ft
stops and generally balance with the rest of the section that is the
biggest test of a soprano - something that Alan Wycherly does very well.
Listen to Kevin Crockford - he tends to play about 4 times as loud as the
solos on 8ft, and on 4ft you might as well forget the rest of the band...

> When you start comparing people by the highest note they can play you
> start getting onto dangerous ground. It's the ability to control the
> instrument and make beautiful music that counts. Whilst the possession
> of a good upper register aids the command of the register used in the
> current repertoire this does not make the player. As an example, the sop
> solo in Salamander caused many of the players at the Open problems
> because it used the opposite end of the range!!
>
> Anyway, that's my tuppence worth. Oh, and by the way Alastair, next time
> you see James (no relation), let him know that my Schilke sop does have
> a G above high C (but there again I can play a super C on my 1930 Besson
> Prototype Bb cornet so what does that prove ??!!)

Perhaps my comment should have read "James can play up to the double C,
apart from the G, which he can't get reliably on any fingering"
Even ruder!

> 
> All the best.
> 
> 
> 
> David Cooper
> Soprano, KM Gillingham Band
> 
> 
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-- 
  Alastair Wheeler
  Euphonium & Trombone			   Fundamental Brass
  Bass Trombone			  City of Oxford Brass Band
  Alastair.Wheeler@xxxxxxxxxxxx   http://users.ox.ac.uk/~newc0349/
  "I am following my fish"


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