Rudsamblog

Rudsambee rehearsal notes, 25.4.18

Guerrero mass:

Agnus Dei –

Think about the meaning of the words. Shape the phrases and put the stress where it should be. Decrescendo at ends of phrases.

Moving parts should be exciting and ping out of the texture. Each new entry should be prominent.

Look at where the theme is, and if it is not in your part then be quieter, so that the theme (e.g. 2nd sopranos bar 5) projects through the texture.

1st sopranos should be quieter generally.

Vowel sounds are important. If in doubt, sing open ‘ah’, especially on melismas.

Benedictus –

COUNT, and feel the internal pulse.

Whenever there is a comma, cut the end of the note short. ‘Venit’ each time should be a crotchet and crotchet rest.

Float the sound; think counter-tenor and swanee whistle

Don’t ‘land’ on the final note of the phrase – the last note should be weakest.

n.b. Derrick does not want to repeat any of the above information ever again!

Hosanna –

All sections, start together. Think of the meaning of the words – a bit of punch is okay here; it should contrast with the Benedictus.

Emphasise offbeat entries (e.g. basses first entry)

Be rapturous! Don’t lose enthusiasm.

Sanctus –

Make the vowel sound very plain (‘ah’). Keep vowel of ‘Do-‘ open.

Bar 316, altos can take the low D up the octave if preferred.

Bar 312, sopranos ‘ctus’ should be on the F.

Bar 316, tenors, it’s B-flat.

Bar 311, basses, it’s B-flat, not A. Bar 319, connect the ‘A’ octaves. Bar 320, crotchet and crotchet rest.

All, be ready to go quickly to Hosanna (and back again after the Benedictus).

Credo –

Words: ‘visibilium’ louder, ‘et invisibilium’ quieter, ‘et in unum Dominum’ medium. ‘Et incarnatus est’ is the most important part of the text so bring out its gravity.

Don’t give up on long notes. Think about line. Elide and don’t get stodgy.

Ignore any interpretative markings (eg ‘rit’) and follow Derrick.

This Mass needs much more work, and individual practice! John has sent a midi-file (oh no I haven't - see my e-mail) and it can be found online as well.

El Grillo

Everyone please look at the geography of the piece and make sure you have written it in. It is as follows, and Derrick does not want to say this ever again:

Bars 1-16. Repeat. Bars 17-28. Repeat. Bars 29-37. Repeat. Then back to beginning. ‘Fine’ is bar 21. (N.b. bar 23 is in 3.)

We all need to watch – there may be pauses (eg b 17) and accelerandi (b 15-16).

Hanacpachap – pronunciation is as written.

Rehearsal next week is at Priestfield.            (notes by April)