One of the most difficult concepts to teach advanced students - and, unfortunately, some conductors - who have been raised with the tyranny of the metronome is how to interpret romantic era solos. Nothing can replace master classes with a great teacher but, failing that, the student(s) should listen to great artists performing the work and imitate the ebb and flow created. They must find the music within the music. One of my favourite interpretations of this romance is the 1981 performance by Placido Domingo on the Deutsche Grammophon recording "The Women In My Life".

This arrangement helps to bridge the transition from rhythmic accuracy to musical interpretation which Romantic era solos demand. Detailed notes are provided to guide toward one possible interpretation. The teacher and student should discuss the changes suggested and accept or reject these to meet their own musical sensibilities rather than slavishly following the directions given.

Ideally, the student should strive for an interpretation through sound rather than the written notes. For this reason, playing from memory is strongly encouraged, forcing the development of melodic sensitivity instead of following musical symbols in a strictly metrical fashion.

Piano Score and Notes: 10 pages Parts: 8 pages