Klarinet Archive - Posting 000328.txt from 1995/03

From: Nichelle Crocker <NCROCKER@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: The Stately Polacca
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 15:43:02 -0500

These comments are mostly a response to Fred Jacobowitz...
(thanks Fred, for your advice and opinions)

Yes, I did read the whole article in Groves. I agree with the point
that the term apparently means "anything the composers damn well wanted
it too". I think that the music comes first, and our terminology is
merely a way of trying to interpret and understand it. Our concept of
this terminology needs to be flexible. We have to keep our minds open.
But I want to make the point that even though the composer may have done
anything he/she "damn well wanted to", the performer has a responsibility
to the piece.

I understand your caution about taking "lesser" dictionaries too seroiusly,
but I am also naturally inquisitive and curious about what others have to
say. I am hesitant to take information from only one source (as a general
rule).

And about this comment, "So ignore all that B.S. about 'stately', etc.",
I don't think I should ignore it. As a student, it is my responsibility
to try to learn as much as I can about everything I do. Even if the things
I turn up do not apply specifically to the piece I am performing, they
contribute to my general knowledge about music and performance, and I
consider the time well spent.

Nichelle Crocker