The Piccolo Page

[snyprrr]

It seems I only notice the piccolo when it plays that one note it always plays. And I always seem to wince.

We all know about Shostakovich and the piccolo, and how it can be used to militaristic effect, but, does it have any real secrets to reveal? It seems the avant-garde wasn't able to do anything with it. I only know of one interesting cd on the Arts label, by Roberto Fabbriciani, featuring the most "famous" piccolo piece I know, Franco Donatoni's Nidi.

Is the piccolo dead as a topic? Is it obvious what its role is, and it will never be anything else? Is that why this is the "Piccolo Post" and not the "Piccolo Thread"?

Anyone?

[MishaK]

Do you know Vivaldi's piccolo concerto? These days with HIP and all most recordings are on sopranino recorder, but it's usually played on modern piccolo. It's *the* standard orchestra audition piece for piccolo players. It covers a wide expressive range for the instrument, not just shrill and fast. E.g. check out the slow movement. Then also, check out the French symphonic repertoire. A lot of nice piccolo stuff there, often playing parallel octaves with flute or other instruments for coloristic effect.

[snyprrr]

Do you know Vivaldi's piccolo concerto? These days with HIP and all most recordings are on sopranino recorder, but it's usually played on modern piccolo. It's *the* standard orchestra audition piece for piccolo players. It covers a wide expressive range for the instrument, not just shrill and fast. E.g. check out the slow movement. Then also, check out the French symphonic repertoire. A lot of nice piccolo stuff there, often playing parallel octaves with flute or other instruments for coloristic effect.

There can be only One,...eh, Neo? haha

I'll look it up!

[(poco) Sforzando]

Brian Ferneyhough's "Superscriptio" for solo piccolo is a rather marvelous piece.

[not edward]

Agreed on the Ferneyhough being outstanding. The Fabbriciani recording you mentioned with Donatoni's Nidi also has the Ferneyhough and Castiglioni's strong Musica vneukokvahja.

Another fine work that would fit here is Ustvolskaya's Composition No 1 for piccolo, tuba and piano.

[Chaszz]

I have always loved to death the "Forest Murmurs" scene from Siegfried, and when I went to the previous Met Ring a few years ago I was curious to see which instrument played the Woodbird music. To my surprise it was passed back and forth among clarinet, flute and piccolo. Perhaps not really necessary, as probably any one of the three instruments could have handled it adequately. But an example of Wagner's craftsmanship and loving attention to detail.

[snyprrr]

Agreed on the Ferneyhough being outstanding. The Fabbriciani recording you mentioned with Donatoni's Nidi also has the Ferneyhough and Castiglioni's strong Musica vneukokvahja.

Another fine work that would fit here is Ustvolskaya's Composition No 1 for piccolo, tuba and piano.

Oh nooo!,... that last one,... how to I,...uh,,uh,,? Two Threads, One Piece,...aaahhhh!!!!



Yes, I guess the Ferneyhough is the piece!

[snyprrr]

Due to the response to this Thread, I'm changing the name from "Post" to "Page", haha!