Ten Orchestral Excerpts for Piccolo: An Historical and Stylistic Analysis

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Allison Marie Flores Fletcher (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Deborah Egekvist

Abstract: As a member of the orchestra, the piccoloist performs in many capacities as both a section player and soloist. Though several collections of orchestral piccolo excerpts with brief commentary exist, the literature lacks historical and stylistic information regarding frequently requested excerpts for piccolo auditions. In this document, ten standard solo passages are studied using available print sources and score analysis. The excerpts were chosen by comparing the contents of an audition guide, excerpt books, articles, and the author's personal experience taking auditions for small and large orchestras. The excerpts discussed are from the following works and movements: Rossini's opera overtures (La Gazza Ladra and Semiramide), Beethoven (Symphony No. 9, Finale, Alla Marcia), Berlioz (La Damnation de Faust), Tchaikovsky (Symphony No. 4, III. Scherzo), Ravel (Ma mère l'oye, III. Laideronnette, Impératrice des pagodes), Stravinsky (Firebird Suite, 1919 version, "Variation de l'oiseau de feu"), Prokofiev (Lieutenant Kijé Suite, I. The Birth of Kijé, IV. Troïka), Shostakovich (Symphony No. 8, II. Allegretto), and Bartók (Concerto for Orchestra, III. Elegia). The author examined related research and historical sources including books, dissertations and journal articles to determine pertinent historical information and current performance practice and for each excerpt. Additionally, available editions of each work were compared to identify discrepancies, errors, and the purpose and placement of the solo in the work. Aspects of each excerpt examined included intonation tendencies, rhythmic difficulties, technical challenges, dynamics, articulation, and timbre. Solutions and practice suggestions are proposed for the challenges presented for each of the excerpts. Each chapter concludes with a summary including the solo piccolo part with notated instructions. The result is a useful reference for teachers, students, and piccoloists preparing for auditions.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Piccolo, orchestral excerpts, flute
Subjects
Piccolo with orchestra
Piccolo with orchestra--History.

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