Klarinet Archive - Posting 000084.txt from 1993/11

From: PHIL PONELLA <PONELLA@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: OK!! I'm ready.
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1993 09:56:00 -0500

As far as woodwind quintet playing goes I must agree that it
certainly pales in comparison to octets, or ensembles with strings.

The best way I can describe it is by comparing a ww quintet to a string
quartet or quintet. There are 4-5 instruments capable of very different
timbres and colors, yet homogeneous and very blendable, so the resulting
sounds blend well. To me, a woodwind quintet is more like an artist
taking five very different colors and mixing them together and coming up
with that black-grey sort of color--blechh...

As well, the repetoire isn't nearly as good. We could probably count the
number of really good ww quintets on one or two hands, and even the best
of those can't really compare to the quality of the Brahms or Mozart
quintets, or the Gran Partita.

Sorry, hope I don't sound like I am preaching. Just my 2 cents worth...
Hope I don't start any wars here...

Phil Ponella
Hartt School of Music
University of Hartford