Hey everyone, I'm working on the No. 2 Intermezzo, Prelude to Act 3 from Carmen. It's a really pretty solo, but it's quiet, PP, and is mostly slurred. The thing that I need help with is slurring down from middle C to Eb and back up again (triplets). I can almost never get the Eb to speak at this dynamic, and if it does it's not with great sound. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.


Wiseman500

I don't know that particular passage but C - Eb is a tricky change.

You need a reed that is not too soft, which will cause the Eb to sag, & you must use RH2 &/or RThumb on Bb for tuning & stability. I suggest starting with the Eb & getting a good sound with plenty of breath support without too tight an embouchure. Then slur up to the C, using the C 'flick key' with LTh to help, without tightening your lips but using more support if needed. You should then be able to do the slur back down to Eb successfully. Finally a lot of private practice, starting slowly & mf rather than pp, should reduce the difficilty.

Good luck.

Thanks so much! This is really helpful =] I can almost get there at a mf now =]. Thank you!