The more I listen to versions of this wonderful piece, the less I understand how it is played.

Take this version by Karin Leitner, for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYy5rlaBWkY&feature=related

First variation is normal. I can imagine me playing it, now or in next future. Variation two is quite fast, but still seems playable.

But the variation 3 introduces the melody in the bass, while she plays the melody in the high notes. Both seem to sound simultaneously -and almost independently, as if we were listening to two flutes (still more in variation 5).

Can some of you explain how is done?

Also, the fast trills of variation 4, do not seem to come from normal trill with keys, is it a kind of special tonguing?

Sorry I sound so ignorant, but I like to learn...

That version is just one of several. I have another recording by ... (can't find it now) with a similar technique

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Sorry I skipped your link when I answered. Yes, so many notes and variations. And still the same effect, most noticeable in the last seconds of the long tube.

That golden flute guy make my hands cramp up and I run out of breath just watching him.LOL

Jose,

If it's the part I am thinking you are referring to, it is not as hard as you might think.

Isolate the melody notes first, then practice the passing arpeggiated notes alone till you get comfortable, use a trill or tremolo fingering if you need to as, when played fast, no one can tell..

then gradually put the two parts together...

remember always that the secret to playing fast is to practice very slow...

i love this song i know the first page by heart but what help is with a 4 page song

First thing will be obtaining the sheet music. Not a project for now, in any case.

It seems I am not able to find out who is the composer of this piece. Can you help pls?

Jose_luis,
That version for fl. and harp is by Genin op. 14

If you do a search at http://fluteworld.com/
in the section at the bottom left,
under title, plug in the words: > Carnival of Venice <(Careful of the spelling) and you will see that there are several versions.
BRICCIALDI, DEMERSSEMAN, GENIN, and MOWER which is entitled: "Deviations on the Carnival of Venice"

Thanks, Bilbo.

I found those scores at Flute World. I am still confused about so many versions. I would like to buy the piano + flute version. Do you know which one is that?

Hi,

My version is Giulio Briccialdi.

It says solo with band Piano reduction.

I hope this helps.

Lana

These pieces by different composers are variations on a theme. Usually the original melody (theme) is played first then the variations are played. Each of the 4 different composers will have written all completely different variations.
I can't speak for the other versions as I only have the Burccialdi one here also.

It appears as if the flute world grading system puts the two most common versions (Bruccialdi and Genin) with the Ginin being the more difficult. I would assume that if one were getting the Genin version as in Jose's original link to you Tube, and wanted the Flute and Piano version, they'd get either the Southern Music one or the Billaudot version. The Southern Music version is cheaper and would probably suffice. The Mower version seems to be more light hearted with the title and I assume he variations being entitled, "Deviations on the Carnival of Venice"

As Patrick mentions, practice it slowly and take your time. these aren't the kind of pieces that flutists generally can sight read. It may take a few years to get. ONe way is to work from back to front because generally the finale of this type of music is the most technically challenging. It may also benefit to practice in small sections, isolate the difficult bits and memorize them -even if only temporarily and then work what is difficult until it's mastered. Slowly and relaxed at first.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

There are several theme and variations available for flute players.
One of the most famous of course is the F. Schubert one.:
This player in this vid is doing the introduction and the theme. The theme begins at 2:57 into this vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEqgyE20ouk

And in this vid, she is attempting the "meat" of the piece in variation V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1moYFlIBapc

Then there's the variations on Corelli "La Follia"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE6nlrvux2A

or the same theme
Marin Marai's "Les Folies D'Espagne"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWKdJdKV7NM

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oops, that shold have been:
Marin Marais' "Les Folies D'Espagne"