Recent content by Ramiste

Spinning notes is when a composer just rambles and the notes have no direction or purpose other than to make sound. You can usually tell when a composer is trying to create length or pseudo-substance by just throwing notes into a piece. It's just fluff.

I don't know how I forgot this, because I've always known that the bass plays an octave lower than written. But during the discussion somehow I got so distracted by the written note I forgot about the transposition! I truly am embarrassed since I'm not a neophyte to the orchestra. Age?? Hahaha...

Thanks so much for the reponse! I'm very grateful. I've pretty much made up my mind to put a note at the begining to tune E to D. How other strings are tuned I'm happy to leave to the players. The last note occurs with cellos (div.) on F and B-flat (low register) resolving to G and B-flat. I do...

I see your points. I've been an orchestral cellist (and composer) for about 40 years and can relate to everything you've said. Since I do take pride in getting details right - or at least sensical, I appreciate your comments! I think I will change the Fp to F at least. It's great to get some...

The Fp is mainly there because all the other strings on that beat also have Fp (arco, though). It looks cleaner in the score to make them all consistent. It also gives the basses the idea of what the effect of that beat should be in the ensemble.

I suspect you are right. I'm a cellist and have to deal with the same thing from time to time. If a section was large enough, divisi could always be used, but I never seem to got performances with groups that have more than 4 basses. I might make a suggestion in the score. It might not be a...

I'm sure professional players do what you do and look ahead. I agree the notation in that bar at the piu moso could be improved. It used to be worse. I'll take another look at it. Thanks! By the way, I've been a cellist for 50 years. But since basses have very different issues to deal with...

Thanks. I might add a note like that (not to transpose). Since it's possible that a smaller orchestra might play the piece, I don't think I can let players sit it out. :)

That's an excellent idea. I never thought of that. Thanks!

Hi, I have a piece for string orchestra being readied for publication and the last note in the work for basses is low e-flat. My question is, should I make a note at the beginning of the part that there is an e-flat at the end and scordatura might be required, or should I do nothing? There...