Chamber Music Database now on MTNA website - Forum focus: collaborative performance

American Music Teacher, Feb-March, 2004 by Jean Barr

It's here! The long-awaited Intermediate-Level Chamber Music Database is now on the MTNA website and ready for you to explore.

MTNA's former Collaborative Performance Advisory Committee was charged with "advancing the study and performance of chamber music" and "providing opportunities for communication and collaboration among those interested in the teaching and performing of chamber music." This database represents our hopes to do just that.

There has been a resurgence of interest in chamber music. Within MTNA, a number of local associations have established thriving chamber music programs, and several states include chamber music festivals in their yearly plans for the precollege student. As some of our students continue their music study in college, they may find chamber music is a required part of their curriculum. In addition, our members often enjoy the opportunity of performing with colleagues at local association meetings.

Happily, additional initiatives also exist outside our organization. For example, interested players, regardless of age, are put in contact with each other through an international organization called the Amateur Chamber Music Players. Through the auspices of yet another organization, thousands of senior adults who love making music with others and who participate in the New Horizons Band/Orchestra program also play chamber music together.

Common to all these initiatives is the sheer pleasure of making music with like-minded individuals in a social setting. Anyone--and everyone--can participate. There are a number of excellent sources listing advanced-level chamber music repertoire. Unfortunately, for the musician who is not yet ready or interested in tackling advanced repertoire, it is difficult to find suitable alternatives. We believe this database will spark an interest, invite additions and, by its very existence, encourage the commissioning of intermediate-level repertoire for various combinations of instruments.

The result of months of work by subcommittee members Carolyn True, NCTM, Trinity University; Sylvia Wang, Northwestern University; and Judy Kehler Siebert, University of Manitoba-Winnipeg, the project received invaluable assistance from numerous individuals. It is impossible to acknowledge everyone, bur we particularly would like to thank the following MTNA members for their substantial contributions to the list: Janet Davidson, NCTM; Lora Deahl; Eugene Dowdy; Joanne Haroutounian, NCTM; Juliana Lockman, NCTM; Laura Melton and Judy Price, NCTM.

What is this database?

Originally planned as the first phase of an ongoing project, it is a collection of elementary- to intermediate-level chamber works for three or four instruments, including piano.

How do I use it?

You will be able to search for repertoire by several criteria, including instrumentation, composer and publisher.

Who will be interested in it?

Everyone: teachers wanting to introduce their precollege students to chamber music; college professors whose students are not yet ready for advanced repertoire; MTNA members searching for something to perform at the next meeting of their local chapter; and senior adults seeking the opportunity to make music with others in a social setting. Chamber music is alive and well at all levels of accomplishment and for people of all ages.

Why can't I find music for five or more players?

It was impossible to include everything in this initial phase of our project, so we decided to concentrate on finding repertoire for no more than four instruments.

Every piece includes piano. Is there anything for strings or winds alone?

To get started, we chose only repertoire with piano. However, we also are eager to add intermediate-level chamber music for any combination of strings, winds or voice without piano.

This database is yours, MTNA members. Please use it, and recommend it to others. Together, let's make this an invaluable, lasting resource. Who says classical music is dying? The passion for making music with others will keep it alive. It's up to us!

BONUS BYTES

The Intermediate-Level Chamber Music Database can be found online at www.mtna.org/chamber.asp.> 2004 MTNA National Conference Sessions

Claudia Anderson and Jill Felber will present "ZAWA! Flute Duo in Concert with Anne Epperson," Sunday, March 28, 2:15-3:15 P.M. ZAWA! presents an eclectic program of ZAWA! arrangements, commissioned works and original compositions including flute, alto flute and piccolo with piano. Audiences everywhere enjoy the spirited and exhilarating performance of ZAWA!

Barbara Fast, Christopher Hahn, Thomas Swenson and May Tsao-Lim will present "Piano Ensembles that Motivate: Duets to Quartets," also on Sunday, 2:15-3:15 P.M. The session will provide inspirational experiences for young students. Elementary- and intermediate-level piano duets, trios (three-at-one piano works), two-piano/four-hand and piano quartets will be featured during this presentation.

On Monday, March 29, 9:15-10:15 A.M., Gail Berenson and Michael Carrera will present "Martinu's Second Cello Sonata: A Depiction of His Personal Tragedies in World War II." This lecture/recital will highlight the historical and musical significance of Martinu's Sonata No. 2 for cello and piano. Details will show how crucial the developments of World War II were to this piece.