Scale Variations #3 Duets

[rrayner]

Please see the previous posting "Scale Variation Duets" for background information.

This is another more advanced set of practice variations for two instruments. The upper ranges of the two instruments are tested, as a number of these exercises go near or to the top of the range for Recorders. As in the previous posting, this posting includes a series of exercise duets. Essentially, they are the same two scalar variations in several different keys. You could find similar exercises at your local music store, but anyone can access these.

The attached exercise duets are written for Soprano Recorder and Alto Recorder. The Alto is not a concert instrument, therefore, it's part is transposed up a fifth. Please feel free to change the instruments to whatever instruments you play. You do not have to have a second person to play with, as you can mute one of the parts and play along with the Notation software.

I have included only the more common keys for song and exercised books: C, F, G, Bb and D. If you want to try other keys, Notation Composer will allow you to transpose any exercise to the key of your choice.

The exercises are essentially the same for all the different keys. There are some minor differences to accommodate the bottom range of the Recorders.

There is a varying degree of difficulty in this series, but if you can become comfortable in playing them, you will greatly enhance your fluency with your instrument.

The second variation in each key can leave you breathless. I would suggest a breath for every measure until you are able to play it fast enough to breath less frequently.

We hope you find these exercises beneficial.

Ralph Rayner