Klarinet Archive - Posting 000013.txt from 1993/12

From: Diana <DCASSAR1@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: Clarinet sound
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 17:36:07 -0500

Dr. Monsen...
thank you for your compliment to me. I really appreciate it!
Now that I understand your question, I can better rrelate my own experiences
about the subject...
I am presenting my junior recital in April, my program is as follows:
Brahms Sonata #1
Persichetti Parable for Clarinet Solo
Milhaud Suite for Clarinet Violin and Piano
Weber Grand Duo Concertant
My teacher here is very enthusiastic about my performance of the Milhaud, he
insists (as do some of my peers) that my "sound" is well suited to the
piece and its character. He is a little less thrilled with me on the Brahms.
We are looking for a different mood in teh Brahms, apparently a mood I am
more challenged with achieving.
So, in answer to your question, I think it is entirely possible to have a
particular Brahms sound or a Stravinsky sound...however, I think perhaps
wait, I jsut got a different thought!
Think about this. Mozart wrote for Stadler, Brahms wrote for Muhlfield...
surely the composers had a particular sound in mind! So, I guess what I
am trying to express here (and not being too successful about it!!) is that
our perceptions of what a "good Brahms sound" or whatever are based upon
whiat we have heard and enjoyed in the past. Brahms's music is lyrical
and pastoral, Milhaud's is more spirited and lighthearted. My playing is
perhaps better suited for the latter...is it because of my "sound?" Maybe.
Perhaps my personality comes into play, here, too! Music is many things.
I know I am guilty of forgetting that far too often. Unfortunately,
as students for life, we are always looking for the better technical ways
around things. Sometimes, the real answer is jsut in the music! You think?
Diana