Aldo Botta: Tecnica progressiva per clarinetto [Progressive Technique for Clarinet]

Introduction

The proposed volume on the study of progressive technique – a “progressing” technique – is based on a succession of exercises that gradually increase in difficulty, swiftly transitioning from one key to another seamlessly, aimed at enhancing technical-executive abilities. Technique and tonality are the main elements that make up this volume, prompting the performer to continuously search and process the study material, hence consistently stimulating cognitive processes.

Given its unique features, this volume is intended for those who have acquired theoretical and practical knowledge of all keys and irregular figures. The primary purpose of these exercises is to “train” technical transitions starting at moderate speeds, striving to achieve full mastery of such transitions without neglecting sound quality and the type of articulation intended to address. Once the exercise is firmly established at the starting speed, the performer will progress to increasingly faster executions.

Secondly, the volume, unlike how it was originally drafted, aims to allow the performer to engage in seeking new solutions for the proposed exercises, spontaneously and on-the-spot modifying the rhythmic figures and articulations differently from how they are written. This way, the study of technique becomes a true daily objective to set. This volume can be integrated as part of the daily study plan, changing the technical routine exercises from time to time, thus avoiding practicing the same exercises for a prolonged period. Doing so can sometimes lead to a learning slowdown and a “fossilization” on specific technical passages without deriving any benefit.

Good Work!