Re: Somewhere Duet
Ralph,
I'm enjoying this discussion. I've been away from writing for recorders for a while -- focusing most recently on transcribing proto-classic symphonists from scores in the IMSLP. So this is turning into a valuable re-acquaintance with the issues and techniques of scoring recorders -- plus I'm gaining more proficiency with Notation Composer.
Yes, the lower register can be pleasing, especially in small groups of recorders. This "Somewhere Duet" reminds me of some of the pieces in a book of intermediate-level alto duets by Hans Ulrich Staeps, "Zu zweien durch den Tonkreis" (copyright 1951), and he does not avoid the lower range.
As a further exercise, I've transposed your duet yet again, this time putting the accompaniment as low as possible on the tenor recorder -- getting lots of practice with slur manipulations. This results in a tenor duet, though the melody could be played on soprano. The key signature of Ab results in a low Db, which is not readily available on some tenors. Anyhoo, it sounds nice in NC.
Walt
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