15 Kanons
CANON I - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
CANON II - Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
CANON III - Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
CANON IV - Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
CANON V - Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
CANON VI - Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
CANON VII - Maribrianus de Orto (ca. 1460-1529)
CANON VIII - Anonymous Dutch (15th Century)
CANON IX - Bartholomeus Gesius (1555-1613)
CANON X - Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
CANON XI - Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
CANON XII - Anonymous Hungarian (18th Century)
CANON XIII - Josquin des Prez (1450-1521)
CANON XIV - Josquin des Prez (1450-1521)
CANON XV - Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Good ensemble playing is characterized by uniformity of pitch, articulation, tone color and dynamic gradation, all sustained within flowing pulse. These canonic selections are offered to train this musical ideal. As the subjects are introduced, use your imitative skills to create a spirit of sharing and conversation. Remain mindful of a fundamental principle promoting clarity - when your part is static, it is generally not as significant as the moving lines. I’m indebted to my student and engraver Andrew Kesten - his interest to make this music available has been constant during the long arch of our friendship. I am also appreciative to three outstanding musicians drawn from the US Coast Guard Band in New London, CT/ Chief Musicians James Jackson III, Adam Crowe, and Stephen Lamb. Along with Steve Perry (Principal Tubist of both the Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA symphonies), these fine players critically assisted the final touches of this edition.
Finally, this book is gratefully dedicated to all my students - past, present and future. You have taught me more than you will ever know.