Debussy wrote Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune in 1894. Charles Leoffler composed his Deux Rhapsodies seven years later, obviously influenced by Debussy’s work. L’Étang is the first of these two rhapsodies composed for oboe, viola and piano. One of my favourite interpretations is the 1984 recording with John Mack (oboe), Abraham Skernick (viola) and Eunice Podis (piano). Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find a viola player for this work. It is my hope that this arrangement for oboe, clarinet and piano may encourage more performances.

One of the most difficult concepts to teach advanced students - and, unfortunately, some conductors - who have been raised with the tyranny of the metronome is how to interpret romantic era melodies. They must develop a melodic sensitivity instead of following musical symbols in a strictly metrical fashion. Nothing can replace master classes with a great teacher but, failing that, the student(s) should listen to great artists performing the work and imitate the ebb and flow created. They must find the music within the music and transition from rhythmic accuracy to musical interpretation which Romantic era pieces demand. Ideally, the students should strive for an interpretation through sound rather than the written notes.

Detailed notes are provided to guide toward one possible interpretation. The teacher and students should discuss the changes suggested and accept or reject these to meet their own musical sensibilities rather than slavishly following the directions given.

Piano Score: 28 pages Parts: 10 pages