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WALTZ AND CELEBRATION from BILLY THE KID

Aaron Copland, trans. Philip J. Lang

PICCOLO

  • Celebration, measure 57: Add style indication from score "crudely"
  • Celebration, measures 58-72: This solo is doubled with the Clarinet; be sure to match stylistically; to bring out the "crude" but playful character of this passage, tie the grace notes to the last beat of the previous measure

CLARINET

  • 1st Clarinet, Celebration, measures 58–72: This solo is doubled with the Piccolo; to bring out the "crude" but playful character of this passage, tie the grace notes to the last beat of the previous measure
  • 3rd Clarinet, Waltz, measure 59: Last eighth-note should be written D-natural

ALTO CLARINET

  • Waltz, measures 32-40: Solo needs to be played at least mezzo forte rather than piano as marked
  • Waltz, beginning at measure 33: With four sharps in the key of E major, use alternate fingerings so D# can be played by the pinky of the right hand
  • Waltz, measure 39: Crescendo between the A and C# to avoid breaking between notes
  • Waltz, measure 40: Try both the regular and forked F# to see which one is better in tune
  • Waltz, measures 55-65: Alto Clarinet is in unison with the 1st Clarinets; intonation can be hazardous due to the range, especially in measures 62-65; however, avoid leaving the Alto Clarinet out, as it adds color to the line

BASSOON

  • Waltz, measures 13-33: Allow the Bassoon solo to project
  • Waltz, measures 33-55: Do not double part

TROMBONE

  • Celebration, measures 85-94: Play this fortissimo rhythmic line softer (mezzo forte or forte) to stay below the melodic line

TUBA

  • Waltz: Play the opening with more presence than indicated by the printed dynamic of piano; work with the Bassoon and Harp on this movement
  • Celebration: Play as written, but pay close attention to note lengths within the brass section
  • Celebration, measures 76-end: Should be marked tutti