How common is dovetailing?

[wuubb]

It's something I've recently discovered and have actually found myself using quite frequently in my compositions, most often in fast, technical sections in an attempt to give wind players breathing room (I myself am I trumpet player so I understand that we wind players need oxygen ).

I've seen it occasionally in music that I've played, but not that often, but could that be just because I'm a brass player? I'm just curious if it's a good technique to use or if all the really good composers use it.

[Exalted Wombat]

It's very common.

[permanent_daylight]

In orchestral music it would be hard to find a piece without it...in my experience at least.

It is generally something i try out to make things more interesting. Its a good way of adding counterpoint.

[artzmusic]

It's used very often in instrumental jazz but not for the same reasons as for woodwinds. After the final "head" of the song each player will take his own 2 or 4 measures dovetailed to the previous player until each has added his final signature to the tune then out. A way of each player to give his final 2 cents worth!

Rick

[TheMiller]

I'm just curious if it's a good technique to use or if all the really good composers use it.

I'd turn that on its head... If someone doesn't know that wind players need to breath, then they are not a good composer.

[ConcertinaChap]

If someone doesn't know that wind players need to breath, then they are not a good composer.

My wife learned that the hard way, fortunately while she was still at uni.

CC