Posted by Steve Bloom on May 04, 2001 at 21:11:27:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Contra-Octave in band playing posted by Sean Chisham on May 04, 2001 at 09:21:22:
It depends on how large the ensemble is. If it's a brass ensemble (quintet, sextet, etc.) or a small wind band, it's best to keep the scoring as tight as possible. For the "larger" ensembles, such as a symphonic band with 45 plus musicians, pedal tones impart a certain depth to the score--if done judiciously. Obviously, not every piece benefits from pedal notes, but I don't believe that the composer's rendition should be followed to the absolute note. If this were axiomatic, why would the music world ever have accepted arrangements with such success? Consider one of the world's most talented and prolific composers, John Philip Sousa, rarely played from a published score and often challenged his musicians to deviate from the manuscript as they saw fit. This is music as true art. Again, judiciously and in the hands of the right artist.