Comments on: interval madness

By: David Barton

David Barton — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:45:41 +0000

So let’s talk about placement of notes. Every string player knows and every wind player should know that intonation is contextual. What function is any note playing? Is it diatonic, chromatic, the third of a chord, leading tone? What temperament is operant. No orchestra, choir or wind band plays in equal terperament unless they’re in league with a keyboard instrument.

It’s a fascinating subject that string players understand better than the rest of us instrumentalists.

By: Cameron

Cameron — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:39:55 +0000

As a horn player, I think that I instinctively pitch notes according to whatever note comes next, rather like the “expressive intonation” you describe.

To me, intonation is a relative thing. Music usually involves participation with other players, so minute adjustments are necessary.

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:28:36 +0000

I found this expressive intonation thing, okay let’s be honest – still find, really strange coming from playing woodwinds for years to learning cello. I’ve had to learn to listen to myself a bit differently – things that weren’t up for debate before suddenly can be interpreted endlessly. It’s a good lesson for wind players though, because it makes you listen to your intonation more closely – there is some wriggle room, we’re just not encouraged to use it much.

By: James Bash

James Bash — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:45:23 +0000

This is valuable information for those of us who have never played any member of the string family. Thanks!