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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE SCORE

The instrumental parts in a score are always located in the same places. On the left hand side of the score are placedthe names of the instruments and the number of parts allocated to each set of instruments.

The notation for the woodwinds appears on the top set of staves. Look at that section to discover how many partsare allocated to each set of instruments. (flute - 2, piccolo - 2, oboe - 2, clarinet - 4) The brass instrument nota-tion is located immediately below the woodwinds. How many parts are assigned to this section? (horns - 4, trum-pet - 4, trombone - 3) Next you will see the percussion notation. Since there are many different instruments inthe percussion family their parts occur at different times as the piece progresses. The instruments are named alongthe way. On this particular page the woodblock and snare drum parts are notated. Below the snare drum notationyou will see two parts for synthesizer.

Now that you’ve scanned the entire page, can you determine which instrumental family is missing from this score?(strings) When string parts are written into the score they appear on the staves at the very bottom, below the percussion notation.

This excerpt from the John Adams score graphically illustrates for us some of the examples which he discusses inthe video. Take a second look at the score to discover what the instruments are assigned to play. Looking at thetop of the score you will notice that the flute/piccolo parts are written in the form of a round. Scan the first fivenotes in the first staff, then compare them with the notes in the second staff which begin below the fourth and fifthnotes of the top staff. Are they the same five notes, or different notes? (same) Scan each staff all the way acrossthe page. You will find that the notes on the second staff imitate the notes on the first staff, following just threenotes behind

Now look at the oboe notation. Each staff has short three or four note patterns interspersed with rests. Do yousee any different patterns in each?

The clarinets are “noodling” their parts, just as composer Adams described them. Look carefully. Are their partsmoving in the same or opposite directions? (opposite) This is called ‘contrary motion’ in music.

In the brass section the horns and trumpets are playing an even chordal accompaniment, with each chord alternat-ing with rests. The trombones are silent (resting) for almost two measures. They join the chordal accompanimentat the end of the second measure, and continue the chords along with the trumpets. Which instruments are rest-ing at this point? (horns)

In the percussion section the woodblock provides the continuous steady beat as the snare drum plays rim shot irreg-ular beats. (Rim shots are made when the drummer places a drum stick on the rim of the drum, then taps thatstick with the other drum stick.) The synthesizers, like the clarinets “noodle” in contrary motion.

Perhaps as you listen to Short Ride in a Fast Machine you will be able to hear some of the examples you have justread.

French hornTuba

Piccolo

Oboe

Flute

Bass Trombone

Bass clarinet

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Short Ride in a Fast MachineJohn Adams

©by John Adams, Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey and Hawkes Company, sole publisher. Page 32. This music is a single sheet from the score.