TIP OF THE WEEK: Continuation of Dynamics vs. Intention

This is the first phrase from the 3rd mvt. of CPE Bach's Sonata in A minor for solo flute. I think we'd generally agree that it's an energetic phrase and so will want to play it somewhat strong. It'll make a major difference whether we're thinking only in dynamics or translating that into an intention. (YouTube clip below)

With quick changes between the higher and lower registers, the key to this phrase is letting the air go so that we create that sense of movement. This needs to happen basically in every bar. Lighten up a bit as you play the 8th notes in kind of a bouncy staccato style, and really retract the breath as the notes go up in m. 2. The C should hardly sound and only needs a wisp of air. 

We'll also have to decide what are the various nuances within a dynamic range. The most "energetic" measures are 2 and 4, the two 16th notes really propel the music forward and up into the air. M. 2 is a leap out of our low register and m. 4 goes even higher, plus the rest gives another element of suspense. Thus m. 4 contains the most tension out of all. To create that intensification, make the D sound a little longer and do less of a diminuendo compared to the parallel note in m. 2. We'd still want to retract the breath somewhat, but at the same time there's an intensification of intention which is almost like a crescendo. Also, don't worry about "being on time" after the 8th rest - it's much desired and far more effective to let your listeners hang a bit before the music carries on. The entire sonata has this playful use of rests as a powerful expression.  Keep in mind that all this will also depend on the acoustics - you may need to lengthen notes in a dry location, or stretch the rest even longer in a resonant one. These are all nuances on the micro-level but they'll make a noticeable difference. 

To summarize, I'd say that my intention is to show how the energy bounces around in this phrase. My intention is to create suspense through the phrase and lead my listener from one place to the next. Continuing with my image from last time, each measure in this phrase is like a "strand" of water which makes up this entire waterfall. Each of them has a specific shape, but they all contribute to one form, one gesture, one story.