Video - Tips Playing the Holst 2nd Suite

[davewerden]

In this video I'm discussing the solo in the Holst 2nd Suite, giving details about how to play it musically and effectively.

For those who want to play this solo, even when your band has not programmed it, I wrote it as part of a 2-movement suite for euphonium and piano. The sheet music is available here:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/searc...n&aff_id=15680

Listen on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK3zXDhl83w


Or listen on the embedded video player here:

[John Morgan]

Great video. One thing that I notice with this solo are some players propensity to play the solo as 8 phrases (with a breath after each), as opposed to 4 phrases (with a breath after each) as you demonstrate in the video. When I hear this played by young players, they mostly seem to do the 8 phrases version. I have done both, and as a former smoker, the 8 breaths is easier, but I must admit, the 4 breaths sounds better.

[davewerden]

Thanks, John! I feel the same way about what sounds best. Truth be told I need to catch one in the middle of the 3rd phrase sometimes, but often I'm OK without it. When playing with a loud band, despite the friendly scoring by Holst, it might still be necessary to grab a breath every 4 bars because so much volume would be needed.

[Davidus1]

Thanks for posting! The older I get the smaller my air tank seems to be though! I appreciate your post and the experience you guys have.

[Clayton M.]

I was gearing up to play this very solo in our next concert, but the director needed me back in the trumpet section. Grrrr.

[John Morgan]

I was gearing up to play this very solo in our next concert, but the director needed me back in the trumpet section. Grrrr.

Well, that's a drag. But look where you're living! Tell your director you lost your trumpet mouthpiece. Then if he gives you another one, tell him you lost your trumpet chops. Then if that doesn't work tell him this is the biggest euphonium solo in the world, and if you don't get to play it, then you're just gonna be real ornery for about 20 years.

[John Morgan]

I was gearing up to play this very solo in our next concert, but the director needed me back in the trumpet section. Grrrr.

I forgot to ask. What band do you play in? Who is the director? My wife and I were pondering moving right to your fair island about 4-5 years ago, but things didn't quite work out for that to happen. I had contacted a fellow who directed some band there and I think he was a former member of The United States Army Band. Curious to know if that is the same band.

[bbocaner]

I like the way you play this, Dave. It sounds great! I always like to go back to the original folk songs with these pieces, and know the words when I'm playing them. I couldn't find the original for this but there's a Holst arrangement for 4-part mens voices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnOf2zEzyU

[davewerden]

I like the way you play this, Dave. It sounds great! I always like to go back to the original folk songs with these pieces, and know the words when I'm playing them. I couldn't find the original for this but there's a Holst arrangement for 4-part mens voices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnOf2zEzyU

Love that arrangement (which I had not previously heard)! Thanks for sharing.