Klarinet Archive - Posting 000253.txt from 1994/10
From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Hi Pauline Minevich!!
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 1994 16:03:59 -0400
Pauline suggests that she can tell performance of music on the basis of the
national character of the players. Pauline (and I welcome your thought on
this and your new presence on the board), I would ask you to please articulate
precisely what differences there are. You say that you can tell by the
oboe in certain circumstances. Take any circumstance you wish and then tell
me what it is that enables you to identify these national characteristics.
It has been my experience that people who suggest that they can tell national
differences mean that they think there are national differences and then invent
things to justify their predisposition. In the case of your husband, you might
try a blind test on him, but it must be on records that he has never heard
before. Get a recording of the Scottish National Orchestra, the Munich Phil.,
the La Scala Orchestra, the London Symphony, etc. all playing the same work.
See how many he gets in a blind test.
Do not misunderstand me. I believe you when you say you hear a difference.
But I think that is because you think you are supposed to hear a difference,
so you really do hear one.
Then have your husband try you in a blind test.
It is very easy to say, "That 'je ne sait quois' of a French oboe has that
French characteristic that is easily identified." OK, if it is so easily
identified, then tell me what it is. Put it in words. If you can hear it,
you should be able to explain it in ways that will allow all of us to hear
it and, thus, be in agreement with you.
(The above comments are said in the most respectful, friendly, and affectionate
way with no hostility or unpleasantness in my voice at all.)
Dan
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Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
(leeson@-----.edu)
(dnl2073@-----.edu)
Any of the above three addresses may be used. Take your pick.
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