Scott Hamilton

YouTube Paula Robison

Flute Methods
8/23/15

Comments:
I liked how Paula took her time to ready herself before she began to play (i.e.
blowing warm air into the flute, setting embouchure, setting hand positions,
etc.). She has a full, resonant tone with no sign of excessive breathiness. I
admire her ability to manage her breath, especially on notes she held for a
long time. Her posture looks great! Her flute holding position is just below
90 degrees, which is the optimal spot. Her embouchure looks magnificent,
and I didnt detect any teardrop in her lips. I really like how when she
breathes, she does so primarily from the sides of her lips while keeping her
bottom lip on the flute. This allows her to keep her embouchure set the
entire time, making her playing more efficient. Her hands are placed very
well throughout the piece. I detected no signs of tension in her hands, which
ultimately allowed her to play her runs at the top speed. I really like her
phrasing and dynamic contrast throughout; it helps keep the performance
really interesting. Never once did she lose energy in her playing. I enjoyed
how her body moved with the piece, instead of standing in one place like a
statue. Her trills were beautifully done, too. In addition, her articulations are
fabulous; I could easily tell she was thinking the syllable doo while
tonguing. Her cadenza at the end was great! I loved how she directed the
ensemble to come back in at the end of her cadenza. This was a wonderful
performance and she is amazing!
Note: I was not able to find the recording of Paula playing a Doppler piece.
So, I watched her performance of the Flute Concerto in D Major (I. Allegro
aperto) by Mozart, instead.