Mastering the Piccolo & 42 Etudes by Hanna Turonek
Hanna Turonek, flutist and piccolo of the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra, is actively involved in concert activity in Poland and abroad, performing solo, chamber and orchestral works. She has performed in nearly every country in Europe, as well as in Asia, North America, South America and Australia under the direction of such renowned conductors as Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Krzysztof Penderecki, Charles Dutoit, Mstislav Rostropovich, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Jacek Kaspszyk, Jerzy Semkow, Antoni Wit and Marc Minkowski. As a soloist she took part in many significant festivals, including the Berliner Bach-Tage (Musiktage Quakenbruck, Festival de Musique in Strasburg, MDR Musiksommer in Leipzig, the Warsaw Autumn Festival, the Sinfonia Varsovia to Its City festival and La Folle Journée de Nantes. As soloist, she has also performed with the Concerto Avenna baroque orchestra, with the Koszalin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Słupsk Chamber Orchestra, the Białystok Chamber Orchestra, the Świętokrzyska Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sudecka Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra. Hanna is a lecturer in piccolo flute at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Cracow.
New Piccolo Method books by Hanna Turonek.
Hanna Turonek’s Mastering the Piccolo Method Book and 42 Etudes is a treasure trove of wisdom and artistry. As the piccolo player for Sinfonia Varsovia and a professor at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Cracow, Poland, Turonek draws on a wealth of experience to create a resource that is as practical as it is inspiring.
A Holistic Approach to Piccolo Mastery
The Mastering the Piccolo Method Book and 42 Etudes is meticulously structured to address the unique demands of the instrument. Turonek’s insights into achieving a flexible sound are particularly valuable, considering the piccolo’s often misunderstood reputation for being shrill. Through targeted exercises, she guides players toward a resonant, colorful tone that can soar above an orchestra without sacrificing warmth.
The method book also includes sections on:
- Intonation Exercises: A crucial area for piccolo players, given the instrument’s sensitivity to pitch. Turonek’s practical tips and drills help develop a keen ear and precise control.
- High Register Exercises: These are indispensable for navigating the piccolo’s upper range with ease and confidence.
- Articulation and Dynamics Exercises: Turonek addresses these aspects with clarity, ensuring players can execute a wide range of expressive nuances.
- Lyricism Exercises: Rarely emphasized in piccolo pedagogy, these exercises encourage players to explore the instrument’s capacity for singing lines and emotional depth.
- Alternative Fingerings: A detailed exploration of alternate fingerings equips players to tackle challenging passages and improve intonation.
The accompanying 42 etudes are a testament to Turonek’s artistry and pedagogical acumen. Each etude balances technical challenges with musicality, ensuring that players refine their technique while engaging with expressive, well-crafted music. Turonek offers carefully crafted compositions, as they simulate real-world demands of orchestral piccolo playing. From fleet-footed passages to lyrical interludes, the etudes cover a vast lyric and technical landscapes.
Turonek’s decades of orchestral playing have given her unparalleled insight into the piccolo’s demands. She understands not only what is difficult but also what is rewarding about the instrument, and she has distilled these insights into a book that resonates with both students and professionals.
Turonek shares that the genesis of this book was her desire to pass on her knowledge to young musicians. Her students’ enthusiasm for her exercises and etudes inspired her to publish the book, ensuring her expertise would reach a broader audience. This personal motivation adds a heartfelt dimension to the work, making it not just a method book but a legacy.
Hanna Turonek’s Mastering the Piccolo and 42 Etudes is a must-have for any piccolo player seeking to refine their craft. Its blend of technical rigor, musicality, and practical wisdom makes it an invaluable addition to the piccolo repertoire. Whether you’re a student eager to tackle the instrument’s challenges or a seasoned professional looking to deepen your artistry, this book is a worthy investment in your musical journey.
