An Analytical and Educational Survey of Howard Hanson's Dies ...

42Chapter 4: Teacher's GuidePerformance NotesDies Natalis for Band presents several considerations for performance. Overallfocus on intonation, balance, and dynamics is critical. Exceptional learning opportunitiesreside in the work's variations for developing aural memory, solo playing, and a bigpictureapproach to the music.The introduction is not technically difficult as the challenge for students lies inintonation, balance, note length, and dynamics. Perhaps the most challenging aspect ofthe introduction is the gradual crescendo to rehearsal mark 4. Students may playdynamics as marked, but should remember their role within the overall work. Dynamicsare well orchestrated and written with a specific balance in mind, so it is essential tostrive for this balance in performance.Since the introduction establishes a harmonic backdrop for the chorale, intonationand note length are also imperative to performance. Holding notes for their full value willensure continuation of phrasing and help to accomplish balance and the gradualcrescendo. Students should become familiar with the major-seventh sound qualityexisting in the introductory harmony and the dissonance of the raised fourth in themelody introduced at rehearsal mark 2.The chorale is crucial to students' understanding of Hanson's composition. A firmknowledge of the chorale melody is necessary to understand the melodic development ineach variation. The initial presentation of the chorale at rehearsal 5 and melodicfragments at rehearsal 4 are not challenging technically, but do require proper balance indynamics and instrumentation.