By James Meredith

The antiphonal performance style was prominent during the Renaissance as performed by two separate choirs. Much Twentieth Century brass instrument writing, using original early music, maintained the antiphon. Your students will interpret Antiphonal Prelude correctly if they remember one very important word… mirror. Each rhythmical statement is mirrored by other voices of the band. Some of the orchestration colors are mirrored as well. You will not need to divide your band into two ensembles since the antiphonal effect is written into the score. Remind your students who are sounding the mirror response, to copy or mimic the opening rhythmical statement with identical articulation and dynamics for an echo-effect.

Antiphonal Prelude

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