This suite is in three movements, Chaconne, Intermezzo and March. It is an arrangement of Holst’s first suite for military band. On one occasion the first part goes up to 8th position and there is quite a bit of 5th position. Running passages get passed between the parts, there are semiquaver passages involving string crossing, double stops and many contrasting articulations to watch our for.
This well loved concertino has changes of tempo that need to be well managed. Some legato bowing, understanding of suspensions and trills all feature in it.
This Suite is in three short movements. The first has a slow introduction followed by a melody with pizzicato accompaniment. The second movement also has a slow introduction but this time to a rhythmic motif passing between the instruments. The last movement is slow and tranquil.
The parts are equal rhythmically while the range of notes is higher in the first two parts where there is some use of tenor clef.
This is a little known work in early classical style. It is not too demanding technically. It requires lyrical playing in the first two movements and lots of energy in the last movement.
It works well with piano in a recital or an advanced pupil could perform it with the local youth orchestra.
All three movements are in A minor and reflect Perlman’s Jewish heritage. It is an excellent piece to show off characterisation and a projected sound.
1st movement (Hora-Hatikvah) is virtuosic with a slower middle section (the Hatikvah). Harmonics and chords at the end need mastering.
2nd movement (Nocturne) alternates between 3/4 and 4/4. This is very beautiful and needs vibrato and cantabile playing.
3rd movement (Fantasie-Recitative) is again virtuosic, starting slowly and speeding up, with a slower Recitative section in the middle. Again chords, more tricky in this movement, provide a challenge, as does the frequent shifting between 1st and 3rd positions.
DeHaske also publishes this with a CD with some useful practice points, but the page turns are all in the wrong place in this edition!
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