Klarinet Archive - Posting 000033.txt from 1995/01

From: R Adam Pease <R_Adam_Pease@-----.GOV>
Subj: Stolzman
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 13:58:36 -0500

Subject: Time:7:43 AM
OFFICE MEMO Stolzman Date:1/3/95

One voice in defense of Stoltzman. There are too many recordings today
by too many players which lack excitement. They are technically correct,
but they are dull and unoriginal. It is because of this that I think much of
the listening public has such a ho hum reaction to classical music. People
seem to want performances that are as "correct" as edited recordings so
effort is spent more on avoiding mistakes than making music.
I will grant that Stoltzman's sound lacks focus and polish. I will grant an
element of showmanship in his playing. However, he does things which
are original and exciting. Hearing yet another technically correct
performance does nothing for me. Hearing a new interpretation that I like
of just one phrase from Stolzman (or anyone else) and I am happy for a
week.
This is not to diminish Shifrin whose performances are both technically
correct and full of good music. Stanley Drucker is my current favorite
player. Also in defense of Benny Goodman, although his recordings are
often not so good, there are lots of good new ideas there as well.
Thanks for listening.

Adam Pease
pease@-----.gov