Prelude & Allegro is a level 5 piece with options for level 3 and 4 players. Guitars 2a and 3a contain skills connecting level 5 to level 6. These include short pim, pima, and pimami arpeggios and simple slurs. Ask students to focus on contrast and musical elements. The Prelude should start relaxed and gradual build tension. The Allegro section should be quick and punchy, with a brief contemplative period at rehearsal letter E.
Special considerations: There are many musical directives in each part. In addition to dynamic, tempo, and color fluctuations, there are several chords marked tambura. Ask students to play this percussive effect by “bouncing" the inside of p off the designated strings very close to the saddle. It is important for the students to “bounce” into and off of the string, creating a crisp percussive sound then allowing the pitches to resonate.
In Guitar 3a measure 8, there is an ascending arpeggio followed by an accented quarter-note. An abbreviation (rs) under the note indicates rest stroke with i. Remind students to play next quarter-note with a free stroke, creating a dynamic shape that stresses beat 3 and relaxes on beat 4.
Make pronounced contrasts by following color and dynamic changes. In measure 11 for example, students produce an “echo” effect by playing a parallel passage much more quietly. Also take special care to practice pont. and dolce in the same passage.
Sections B-D create a long, slowly building crescendo. Ask students to perform the over-arching crescendo allowing for subtle shifts within the larger dynamic structure.
Section E presents an excellent opportunity to practice cueing and dynamic control from the podium. Ask students to memorize the short passage and focus their attention on the conductor, listening for cohesion within their group and within the larger ensemble.
The attached performance video was recorded by the Glendale Community College Guitar Orchestra under the direction of Chuck Hulihan.
Recorded live, December 6, 2018 by 9th Symphony Productions
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