Klarinet Archive - Posting 000409.txt from 1994/05

From: 00smgeidel@-----.EDU
Subj: "Best" performances
Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 12:39:52 -0400

A few comments on the notion of a "best performance..."

Years ago (during my ill-spent youth!) I owned an LP of the Mozart Cto
performed by Karl Leister. I loved the performance. I categorically stated, to
myself and the few who would listen to me, that it was indeed the "BEST"
performance of the work. It's interesting what an effect the passage of time
can have on a musician's temperment. I still enjoy hearing that recording, but
I no longer regard it as the "best" recording of that work. In fact, I must say
that although I have my personal favorites, the concept of finding the "best"
recording of any work no longer interests me. Could it be that the VERY BEST
recordings of certain works actually exist in our musical imaginations? And,
isn't that "imagined" performance the motivating factor which is our inspiration
to keep practicing? Isn't there always just that "something" beyond that we all
hear in our inner ears, that element of performance we seek which we personally
would find ultimately satisfying? And, of course we never seem to reach it,
which is the whole point of playing--continual growth is possible. The more we
achieve, the more we can imagine beyond our current capabilities, and the more
we realize that the true nature of musical experience is one of exploration.

Stan Geidel

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Dr. Stanley M. Geidel | Personal replies to:
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