Stepping Stones For Euphonium, Vol. 1

Pat Stuckemeyer; EUPHONIUM (Artist, Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Pat Stuckemeyer; EUPHONIUM
• Audio CD (November 15, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Potenza Music
• ASIN: B000KP7N82
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #178,097 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Stepping Stones For Euphonium, Vol. 1 is a superb new disc from one of the most enterprising and talented euphonium stars on the scene today. Pat Stuckemeyer has successfully produced a beautifully crafted recording of some of the most important pieces in the repertoire, i.e. music that lines the pathway of the euphonium player from student, through intermediate level to the advanced. In every way this is a clever, well thought out disc that gives model performances in quality of sound, mood, control and technique. Stepping Stones if marketed well, which I'm sure it will, should be perhaps one of the most sought after discs in this genre as it gives the learning player guidance in what appears to be easier repertoire, especially the last eight tracks. The more difficult works are also given authoritative readings that even the most advanced will take pleasure from. Wherever you can get hold of the disc, either on iTunes or by the buying the disc itself (which is very well presented indeed), go get it! Its resource for the teacher is immense, and lets face it there are many trombone and tuba teachers who have student euphonium players and who will find such a recording to be invaluable. I know for a fact a few of the pieces here I am hearing recorded for the first time and will prove a most useful teaching resource. I recommend this disc wholeheartedly and without reservation. Terrific job Pat - well done!" --Steven Mead - International Euphonium Soloist

Review
"A great recording for any young euphonium player. This recording has everything that you would need." --Dr. Paul Droste, Prof. Emeritus - The Ohio State University

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational Artistry, December 15, 2006

By	Thomas A. Szott (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In the world of classical euphonium recordings, Pat Stuckemeyer's new educational disc, "Stepping Stones for Euphonium," volume one, represents a unique and practical offering. Stuckemeyer and collaborative pianist Ellen Bottorff combine their talents to create a product that both entertains and educates. Unlike most other recordings, on which euphonium artists offer virtuoso performances of new and challenging repertoire, performances intended to display their abilities and dazzle their listeners, this CD offers excellent performances of works of standard euphonium literature.

As the title suggests, these "Stepping Stones" are solo pieces regularly performed by young players, from beginners through high school age. The pieces on this CD appear regularly on state solo contest and honor band audition lists, and have been used for decades by teachers across the world. Stuckemeyer's stated goal for recording this CD was to aid young players in their development. So often, young musicians listen to recordings of repertoire so far beyond their current abilities that while they may be inspired, they are not able to actively model their own playing after what they hear. "Stepping Stones" changes that. Young euphonium players who listen to this recording hear exciting, artistic performances of the same music they are currently working on.

Stuckemeyer performs the works on this recording with a clean, clear, present sound, a model for young players to imitate. He and Bottorff take no artistic liberties with any of the works, choosing instead to present them exactly as they appear on the printed pages. This does not diminish the artistry of their playing. The works themselves range from standards of the advanced high school player's repertoire - the Haddad Suite for Baritone, for example - to eight short selections appropriate for younger musicians. The CD also features a new work for euphonium, a beautiful lyrical piece by Noah Taylor, commissioned especially for "Stepping Stones."

Excellent recordings of beginning and intermediate euphonium repertoire are few and far between; many of the pieces recorded here have not been recorded before. This CD will be extremely valuable for private teachers and their students, and for music educators with students preparing for honor band auditions, solo contests, or college entrance auditions. Pat Stuckemeyer is currently launching an online classroom, to be used in conjunction with this CD. This will be another major resource for younger players, offering advice and practice suggestions for mastering the repertoire.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's alright., April 6, 2007

By	JP (Michigan) - See all my reviews

I've listened to enough professional euphonium players to know that there are much, much better recordings out there. His style throughout the entire album is consistent, which is a problem when you're going from a modern piece to a romantic piece. It bothered me to hear such a mediocre performance of such great pieces of music.