Klarinet Archive - Posting 000058.txt from 1994/11

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Cary Karp and the infamous test
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 1994 13:14:20 -0500

Cary is, of course, quite correct in his assertion that Jim Freeman's
ability (or lack of it) to recognize the nationalalities of 20 players
on the basis of 20 recordings does not go one inch beyond Jim.

But the assertion has been made that the national distinction is so
strong that it is obvious and immediately identifiable. I vigorously
challenge this assertion and state that it is neither obvious nor
immediately (or even slowly) identifiable. In effect, my hypothesis is
that the sound character of a clarinetist is independent of their
nationality except in the most unusual cases (and I cited Czech players
as such an exception).

While a one person test cannot have its conclusions extended to the world,
it is a beginning. The alternative is simply to stand back and argue
that "I hear it" or "I don't hear it." And that is unproductive.

If Jim gets 20 right, I must rethink the hypothesis. If Jim 20 wrong,
then everyone on this list will have to make their own decision as to
what such a phenomenon means. If I understand Cary correctly, he
suggests that no result will sway him from his current thinking on the
matter because the test is insufficiently conclusive. That is a perfectly
rational position and one with which I could not possibly disagree.

Do we have a disagreement Cary?

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
====================================