Posted by John on October 23, 2000 at 10:07:47:
In Reply to: ffff posted by Jay on October 22, 2000 at 09:36:24:
Often, Tchiakovsky asks for dynamics such as pppp and fff in his symphonies. This is all about how different they sound from each other. For example, the pppp marked in the trombone/tuba chorale in the end of his 6th symphony is different than the pppp he may ask at another point. It is really, all a matter of contextual playing, and where the tuba part fits in context of the the piece. I like to think of volume playing like a dial on a stereo. You must know where 1, and 10 are, and all the numbers in between. Rarely are you asked to give a full 10. When you are, you need to conserve and be smart about knowing your limits. Never overblow sections that don't need it. It'll make your louds much more so. Practice extreme dynamics. It's a lot harder to play extremly soft, than it is loud. Just my opinions..
John