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.

Friday 22 June 2012

Class - 21st June

We worked hard on our large ensemble pieces again last night...although we've still not managed to have a rehearsal with everyone present. They've all improved greatly from our first readings - it was even remarked that our 'Olympic Fanfare & Theme' was "rather stirring in places"!

Small group items:
  • 'Prelude & Fugue' (Book 1, No. 24) by J. S. Bach - Judy, Diana & Mike
  • Sonata in Bb major by Janitsch - Penny, Annabel, Polly & Imogen
  • Sonata in D minor by Boismortier - George, Kath, Theresa & Joan
  • 'Valse Harmonique' by Simon Ballard* - Heather, Helen & Angela
*See this link for information on Simon Ballard

Sunday 17 June 2012

Class - 14th June

We were almost up to 'full strength' at this week's rehearsal...and we spent lots of time working on our large ensemble pieces...'Crown Imperial', 'Olympic Fanfare & Theme' and 'Serenade'...with all the expression added, they're beginning to sound good!

Small group items:
  • 'TheWitches Frolic' by Granville Bantock - Margaret, Mike & Helen
  • Sonata in G major by Fasch - Heather, George, Imogen & Joan
  • Sonata in D minor by Schickhardt - Judy, Diana, Kath & Angela
  • 'Dance of the Hours' by Ponchielli (from the 'Fairwind Foursomes' Arr. Terry Kenny) - Penny, Annabel, Theresa & Dermot

Friday 1 June 2012

Class - 31st May

We were greeted by a bellowing organ on arrival in the Church last last night...I thought we'd attracted a new member, but it was merely the Church's organist trying to get to grips with the new electric beast before this Sunday's service! There were lots more notes to get through this evening...with yet more 'Crown Imperial' and a finalised 'Olympic Fanfare & Theme'. I seem to have created a couple of monsters...but I'm sure with a bit of practise, they'll come good in the end!

Small group items:
  • 'Allegro' (from 'Sonata K279') by Mozart (Arr. James 'Red' McLeod) - Helen, Theresa & Dermot
  • Trio Sonata in D minor by Quantz - Heather, Annabel, Mike & Angela
  • Concerto No. 5 by Pepusch - Imogen, Penny, Diana, Kath, Margaret & Joan
It's half-term for us next week...so, see you in a fortnight.