Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a movement from a popular classical string quartet. This arrangement is for a trio of flute, classical guitar and upright bass. The tempo indication is Andante cantabile whilst the PlentyMusic sheet music realisation plays back at 94 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Improve music practice strategies and learn about classical music by downloading this sheet music score and accompaniments from PlentyMusic. The music possesses classical beauty and is sustained in its quality and whilst attributed to Haydn is now known to have been composed by Roman Hoffstetter. The melody does sound easy to play although there are challenges in playing music of this era well and musically. In a performance, the articulation of the notes needs to be consistent - the melody is to be played legato with the plucked accompaniments on an acoustic guitar and upright or acoustic bass offering suitable contrast. A tempo in the range from 90-102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested while individual instrument parts are appended to the full score available as a pdf download from the website. The repeats which are not marked in the video score do not play in the realisation or video score. mp3 accompaniments are available playing at 86, 90, 94, 98 and 102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The accompaniments feature the classical guitar and upright bass sounds although in a performance other instruments could be substituted. This is a PlentyMusic mix and match arrangement giving flute players the opportunity to practice in an ensemble context with a variety of instrument options. A two bar click track sounding on a wood block can be heard at the opening of the accompaniments to establish the tempo. An ideal concert item because the music epitomises so much of classical style although surprisingly not composed by one of the famous and familiar classical composers. It is also appropriate as a performance piece for a wedding, graduation or presentation where music appropriate for a formal occasion is needed. The repetitive element in the melodic writing is strong whilst the melody line combines chordal and stepwise shapes. The appoggiaturas do often create dissonance in the melodic line whilst the chromatic harmonic colour add to the music’s appeal and interest. In the PlentyMusic sheet music score pdf available for download the appoggiaturas (leaning notes) have been notated as they are to be played whilst the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are indicated as ornaments with the appropriate symbol. In the video score all the ornaments are notated to add clarity to what is a frequently a contentious area. The ornaments, acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are probably best omitted in the early stages of playing the movement and are an option in a music performance. This is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of performance practice and the understanding of dissonance, harmonic rhythm and other musical elements that feature in compositions from the classical era. One of the best reasons to play classical music is that it is a positive element in giving players an awareness of basic structures and shapes in music. Additionally, it is also one of the best ways of developing a secure performing/playing technique on an instrument. Classical style features elements of contrast particularly with regard to key and dynamics. As there is also a strong repetitive element the music needs to be played with both simplicity and consistency. The melody can be played with a variety of articulations but in the first instance particularly as an ensemble piece a legato approach is suggested. How the melody is shaped and played in the opening section is how the melody should be played for the rest of the movement. Listening to a number of performances of the score the music it is surprising how different interpretations can be particularly in respect to tempo, articulation of the melody line, the range of dynamics used and particularly the interpretation of ornaments whether appoggiaturas or acciaccaturas. Instrumentalists should appreciate that classical music can be interpreted differently and what is indicated on the page particularly with regard to ornamentation, phrasing and articulation are discussion points. Listening to available recordings will give an awareness how differently the same music can be played but appreciate that the music editor has been intent upon producing a score that is both consistent and has clarity. Roman Hoffstetter, the composer of this music, was interestingly a Benedictine monk, strongly influenced by Haydn in his music so much so that this perfect imitation of Haydn’s style has in the past been assimilated into Haydn’s own catalogue.
