The lesson for to-day is the allegro movement from the famous overture "La Dame Blanch" by Boieldier, and although it looks rather easy will be found quite difficult if played as fast as it should be.

ALlegro means lively and most bands and orchestras play this overture very lively. There is very little about the execution that needs explanation, as we are already familiar with the staccato, the slurs, the triplets, etc. etc.

It is in common time, hence you m ust count 4 to the measure, slowly at first of course, but gradually increasing the time as much as you can without slighting your work. Begin with an up stroke marked "f" which means loud, followed immediately by "p" which means soft. These same letters occur similarly in the 2nd and 3rd, 8th and 9th, and 10th and 11th measures throughout the piece and give the movement an accent peculiarly its own. Pay particular attention to other expression marks throughout the piece, that is or course, after you become somewhat familiar with the notes, the time, the key, slurs, staccato etc -- ff means very loud, pp means very soft; fz means attack strongly. cresc. means begin softly and swell to loud.

N.B. When writing always mention instrument. Confine your questions to ONE LESSON ONLY. Give name of lesson, number of staff, number of measure, and be brief. Give full name and address.

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© 2003 R. Fingerson
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