- Develop listening and blending skills for ensemble
- Master balance and intonation in group playing
- Understand ensemble roles and responsibilities
- Play effectively in recorder consorts and mixed ensembles
Introduction
Playing in an ensemble is one of music's greatest joys! Whether in a recorder consort or mixed chamber group, ensemble playing requires special skills: listening, blending, balance, and mutual support. Let's develop these essential abilities!
The Art of Listening
In ensemble playing, listening is as important as playing!
Types of Listening
- Vertical listening: Hear all parts sounding together (harmony, balance)
- Horizontal listening: Follow melodic lines across time (phrasing, shape)
- Internal listening: Monitor your own sound and technique
- External listening: Hear how your sound fits with others
Practice: Record your ensemble. Listen back focusing on each type of listening.
Balance in Ensemble
Balance means each part can be heard appropriately—not all equally loud!
General Balance Principles
- Melody: Slightly forward, clear and singing
- Bass line: Strong foundation, audible but not overpowering
- Inner voices: Supporting role, balanced with each other
- Countermelody: Clearly heard, but doesn't compete with main melody
Recorder Consort Balance
In a recorder consort (soprano-alto-tenor-bass), balance is crucial:
- Soprano: Often has melody, but can dominate—play softer than you think!
- Alto: Blend with soprano or provide countermelody
- Tenor: Support harmony, sometimes have melody
- Bass: Foundation—audible but not overpowering low notes
Top voice (melody):
Middle voice:
Bottom voice (bass):
Tip: Middle voice should blend, not stick out. Bass provides foundation.
Intonation in Ensemble
Playing in tune as a group requires active listening and adjustment!
Intonation Strategies
- Tune to a reference pitch: Use tuner or keyboard for A=440 Hz
- Listen for beats: When slightly out of tune, you hear a "wobble" (beats). Adjust until smooth
- Match intervals: Perfect fifths, octaves should be pure (no beats)
- Leading tones pull up: Notes like Ti want to resolve up to Do—slightly sharp them
- Adjust air speed: Faster air = sharper, slower air = flatter
Two players play these simultaneously:
Player 1: C5 (hold for 4 beats)
Player 2: C4 (hold for 4 beats)
Listen: The octave should be perfectly in tune, no wobbling. Adjust air speed to match.
Then try a perfect fifth: Player 1 plays G4, Player 2 plays C4 together.
Ensemble Roles and Responsibilities
Section Leader
- Sets bowings/breathing for the section
- Leads interpretation and phrasing
- Communicates with conductor/other section leaders
Ensemble Member
- Listen constantly—adjust balance and intonation
- Follow conductor's gestures
- Breathe quietly, mark scores clearly
- Arrive prepared (practice your part!)
Starting and Stopping Together
Precise entrances and releases require communication!
Without Conductor
- Breath cue: Lead player takes a visible breath on the upbeat
- Eye contact: Make eye contact before starting
- Nod or gesture: Physical cue on the beat before entrance
With Conductor
- Watch the conductor's preparatory beat
- Breathe together with the prep beat
- Enter exactly when the conductor's hand reaches the ictus (the point)
Breathing in Ensemble
Plan breaths so the music doesn't stop!
Staggered Breathing
In long sustained passages, players breathe at different times so the sound continues:
- Mark breath spots in your music
- Coordinate with your section—don't all breathe together!
- Breathe quickly and quietly
- Re-enter seamlessly, matching the ongoing sound
Phrase-End Breathing
At phrase endings, the ensemble can breathe together:
- Creates natural phrase separation
- Gives time to prepare the next phrase
- Conductor often signals these
Common Ensemble Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can't hear other parts | Position yourselves better (semi-circle), play softer |
| Entrances aren't together | Watch conductor/lead player, practice entrance spots |
| One part too loud | That section plays softer, adjust balance |
| Out of tune as a group | Tune carefully at start, listen for beats, adjust air |
| Different interpretations | Discuss phrasing, follow conductor/section leader |
Recorder Consort Repertoire
Explore these wonderful styles:
- Renaissance consort music: Susato, Praetorius, Byrd
- Baroque trio sonatas: Telemann, Handel (adapted)
- Folk arrangements: Traditional songs for consort
- Contemporary works: Modern pieces written for recorder ensemble
Ensemble Etiquette
- Arrive on time, warmed up
- Practice your part before rehearsal
- Bring pencil, mark your music
- Don't play when others are working on their parts
- Be positive, supportive, collaborative
- Focus during rehearsal—save socializing for breaks
- Thank the conductor/leader
Practice Routine (20 minutes daily - individual)
- Practice your ensemble parts alone - 15 minutes
- Listen to recordings of ensemble pieces you're playing - 5 minutes