Broken Intervals

Wood-wind scorings of broken intervals, in all categories, may follow the structural patterns previously established for the strings. Literal transcription for single instruments is often possible because of their remarkable agility and comparative freedom from intonation irregularities. Difficulties in this instance will be in proportion to the size of the intervals. The deciding factors — tempos, ranges, and dynamics — will remain constant.

One specific idiomatic difference between the strings and the woodwinds is to be noted. Repeated single notes for wood-winds are neither practical nor effective, except for short passages. Broken intervals having extended note repetitions are therefore generally to be avoided. Complete intervals, in a non-legato style, may be played as divided, repeated notes in two or more parts. For a legato phrasing, a single slurred part paired with the rhythmic repeated notes will suffice. Broken intervals divided for two instruments with the same basic timbres retain tonal continuity while those with mixed timbres will vary in color and intensity.