How To Teach Clowns by Turina
Today we’re talking about how to teach Clowns from The Circus Op.68 by Joaquin Turina. This is an impressive sounding late-intermediate piece with a lot of character. The entire suite is delightful and includes movements titled Fanfare, Jugglers, Equestrians, The Trained Dog, and Aerialists (sometimes translated Trapeze Artists).
Recommended editions:
The Turina Collection (Maurice Hinson)
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
Illinois AIM Level 11
Jane Magrath Level 9
Skills and Knowledge Required to play this piece well:
How to prepare a programmatic piece inviting imaginative engagement
Octaves and big chords
Variety of articulation and varied articulation between the hands
Rapidly changing range on the keyboard
Changing time signatures and tempos
Glissandi
Choreography of two hands moving around; I suggest a minor redistribution at the end
If this is your first introduction to Joaquin Turina, I hope you will become more acquainted with his music. Here is an album that includes the entire Circus suite, as well as his set titled Miniatures. There are several excellent and engaging pieces for students found here.
