MUSICAL DYNAMICS AND PHRASING IN THE CONCERTO FOR TRUMPET AND ORCHESTRA BY HENRI TOMASI
MARK MURRAY, 1993
This paper explores the relationship between musical dynamics and phrasing in the Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra by Henri Tomasi. Computer-assisted analysis of dynamics vs. time in four unaccompanied excerpts from the Concerto illustrates how musical dynamics might be related to the artistic performance of musical phrases. The rendition of “musical dynamics,” which includes all variations in intensity or loudness which might affect the expressiveness of a melodic line was examined and found to be as important as timing as a major factor in musical phrasing. The study concludes with some ways of thinking about musical dynamics and phrasing which might benefit both performers and teachers. [download below]
Chapter One: Dynamics and Feeling
Chapter Two: Dynamics and Note Grouping
Chapter Three: Note Grouping and Phrasing
Chapter Four: Analysis
Chapter Five: Dynamics and Pedagogy
Bibliography/Discography
Slow Waltz for Trumpet and Piano, 1998
Mark Murray, trumpet and flugelhorn
Michele Murray, piano
1. Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14………………Sergei Rachmaninoff
2. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair………..Claude Debussy
3. Pavanne…………………………………..Maurice Ravel
4. Aria from Sonata for Trumpet……….Flor Peeters
5. Adagio…………………………………….Tomaso Albinoni
6. Larghetto from Exultate, Jubilate……W.A. Mozart
7. Air from Suite No. 3…………………… J.S. Bach
8. Andante from Concerto in Eb………..F.J. Haydn
9. Sleepers Awake…………………………. J.S. Bach
10. Serenade…………………………………Franz Schubert
11. Ave Maria………………………………..J.S. Bach- Gounod
12. A Very Slow Waltz…………………….Claude Debussy
13. After a Dream…………………………Gabriel Fauré
14. Londonderry Air ………………………Trad. Irish Melody
Recorded on May 4, 1998 at Aire Born Studios, Indianapolis, IN. John Bolt, engineer.
All selections, except the Peeters Aria, have been arranged and/or edited by Mark and Michele Murray
Liner Notes: Many people think of the trumpet as a bold, brassy instrument, and most classical trumpet recordings include concertos, sonatas, and other pieces which exhibit the heroic side of the trumpet’s personality. But the trumpet also has a softer, gentler side, and we thought it would be enjoyable to record a few of our favorite classical melodies to share some of the instrument’s lyrical qualities. Only two of these pieces were originally written for the trumpet, yet all of them are timeless masterpieces of the singing style, unfolding like the days of our happiest summers, flowing like the slow dance of lovers. We offer these performances as an Adagio team of trumpeter and pianist, and leave the steps of the dance to the imagination of our listeners.
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