Broken Consort

A 'broken consort' is an ensemble made up of instruments from more than one family, for example, a group featuring both string and wind instruments.

Thursday 23 September 2010

Class - 23rd September

This evening we continued with the 'Promenade' and 'Old Castle' (from 'Pictures at an Exhibition' by Mussorgsky)...and they're beginning to take shape - Imogen even noticed contrasts in dynamics in the 'Promenade'!

Small group items:
  • 'Snow White' (Arr. Denis Sobrielo) - Heather, Judy, George, Diana, Dermot, Theresa, Margaret & Imogen
  • Telemann Trio Sonata in D Minor (93) - Penny, Annabel & Joan
  • Mozart Serenade No. 4 - Helen, Kath & Polly

Thursday 16 September 2010

The First Class!

We had the first class in our new home this evening...and, although we were somewhat diminished in number, I think that we can say that it was successful!

We began with one of the large ensemble pieces that we'll be working on this term, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' (by Mussorgsky). We're only going to be doing a few of the 'Pictures', and started with the 'Promenade' (with it's challenging changes in time signatures), before braving the 5 sharps (or 5 flats for the clarinets) of 'The Old Castle'! We will also be tackling 'The Great Gate of Kiev'...but that's still work in progress!

This evening's small group items were:
  • J. C. Bach Quintet in A (Op. 11 No. 5) - Heather, Annabel, Diana, Helen, Polly & Angela
  • Five Gershwin Melodies for Four Woodwinds - Imogen, Penny, Annie, Theresa & Mike 

We're pleased to report that the accoustics of the Church are great - it's just a shame we'll have to hold our concerts elsewhere.

Looking forward to next week!