Brahms: Haydn Variations Variation V (entire) Prepared by Melissa Matson The Essentials Rhythm: Dance-like compound meter _ Intonation: Good intonation! Steady pulse Close half-steps Articulation: Clarity of stroke Sound: Ringing, clear Slur-separate combinations Dynamic contrasts One of the most openly joyful and playful excerpts in our repertoire, this variation gives us the opportunity to demonstrate a light and dancelike stroke. The counterpoint of the orchestra is particularly tricky, so playing with the "duet accompaniment" will greatly enhance your ability to fit in with the orchestra. Organize the bow stroke dances by using the "framework" exercise later in the practice sheet - and find a colleague to join you in playing the duet, often! The vivace indication can be taken to suggest the liveliness of character, rather than a breakneck speed. Given the limitations of wind players’ articulations and the complicated counterpoint, aim for a finished tempo in the range of 136 - 144 (to the half-bar); some conductors may even prefer a slower tempo. Choose a tempo which demonstrates your command of the slur-separate combinations. You must communicate the dynamic contrasts! Work on these as soon as you start to learn the excerpt. There is no need to exaggerate the sfz and fp notes - keep them in the context of the character, but make it obvious that you understand how to Perform all the sudden changes. Like in the Beethoven 3 Scherzo, the stroke for this excerpt should be a natural off-string rebound - not a manufactured stroke. Approach it by listening for an easy, spirited sound with a quick clarity - the string must respond immediately in order to assure great ensemble. Maintain a nimble balance in the bow fingers (including a supple thumb). Take advantage of the 6/8 meter to reduce your gestures to half-bar units, letting the energy of the first note launch you through the unit (use the "framework" exercise to identify these gestures). Due to the complexity of the counterpoint throughout, maintain the half-bar gestures even in the "hemiola" sections where the pitches are grouped in pairs. You will appreciate the added rhythmic stability of the 6/8 meter when it is paired with the off- beat gesture found 2 bars before Letter H: Example: 4 before Letter G (see also 11 after Letter |) On the next page is the "framework" exercise which focuses on the bow-arm gestures (= dance) of the excerpt. Practice it under tempo, and then up to about 132Brahms: Variation V "Framework" Prepared by Melissa Matson aA vom Yo omomy iy A e o gaa Sprepared by Melissa Matson vivace / " av 5 3 IP ee or) fp———Ss PP sempre v 5 pizz.Brahms: Variation V viola duet Melissa Matson (2006) vivace a BR. may v y orchestra excerpt 223Brahms: Variation V duet - page 2 241 . Zs v Tea ya. ve ae 5 v