The long-awaited Critical
Edition of Stefan Wolpe's Four Studies on Basic Rows
has just been released by Theodore Presser. This edition was
edited and proof-read by Austin Clarkson and David Holzman
and contains a Preface by Clarkson and a five-page
Notes for the Performer by Holzman. The score is
available directly from www.presser.com or from your favorite
dealer. Excerpts provided below:
Excerpt I (from On Rhythm):
Study No.3 The rhythmic challenges of this Study are
daunting. Changes of speed, meter and note value vary from
measure to measure at presto speed. Metronome changes from
mm.52-69 are neither 'tightening' nor 'rebukes', rather,
they are unannounced and irrational leaps into different
time zones and mind states. Measures 122-150 are even more
frightening. The only way a performer can stay on top,
especially given the thick chordal leaps, is to hear in
quarter notes or smaller chunks of time (such as the 4/16)
of m.125). From ms.135 on, each bar should be heard as a
single entity regardless of the meter. One cannot suddenly
feel a triplet in a different speed by subdividing the
beat. Similarly, one can use the metronome to gauge
Wolpe's suggested speeds, but ultimately these changes are
faster or slower thrusts as feel most meaningful.
Excerpt II (from On Texture):
The Passacaglia presents these challenges from the
first bar to the last and thus requires the most
imaginative and difficult solutions. The work is largely
in three voices, with the cantus sustained in high, middle,
or low register. Lines of different speed, touch, color
and shape hover both above and below the cantus. To bring
out these unique textures requires an effortless mastery of
these techniques and the entire panoply of dynamics and
colors. This is also a mental challenge, as one must think
well ahead of oneself to make these gestures second
natures.
An additional factor is utterly indispensable, namely, the
frequent and at times very subtle use of the middle pedal.....
