Klarinet Archive - Posting 000226.txt from 1995/06

From: Nichelle Crocker <NCROCKER@-----.EDU>
Subj: Creativity in performance
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 1995 19:25:31 -0400

In response to Dan Leeson's statement that "performing music is not
creative".

Basically, Mr. Leeson seems to be making the statement that the performer
serves the purpose of the composer. And I agree completely. We should
try to understand the composer's intentions and do everything we can to
live up to those intentions, including choice of instruments, tempo,
ornamentation, or whatever.

I argue that creativity on the part of the performer is also expected.
(Maybe Dan Leeson could define exactly what he means by creativity.)

A composition, in my opinion, can't live without the artistry of the
performer. I have had to sit through some technically accurate, yet dull
performances and it can be a dreadful experience.Mere technical accuracy is not
enough, and not any performer is able to make a piece of music exciting
in performance. And audiences enjoy hearing individuality in the execution
of music. For example, how many recordings of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto do
you own? I would be shocked if you told me you had only one. If the
individual's contribution to a piece is not important, why would this be true?

Nichelle Crocker