Klarinet Archive - Posting 000522.txt from 1995/09

From: James Sclater <sclater@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Debussy Rhapsody ... on an A???? (WHOOPS!!!)
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 1995 11:23:10 -0400

I think, as you do, that when the tonality is affected by the choice of
instrument (as in the Stravinsky 3 pieces) that the composers wishes
should be honored. The other situation ...when a performer plays on a
different instrument to facilitate some aspect of the music, seems to be a
question which some feel quite strongly about, also.
As a composer/clarinetist, I am frankly amazed at the hard-line
attitude some have about this. It assumes that composers would be able to
tell immediately if the player is on the "wrong" instrument...an
assumption I am not willing to make. It also assumes that composers would
not wish performers to seek out the most effective way to play a
particular passage....an assumption I am not willing to make.
Case in point...Rachmaninov 2nd piano concerto...big clarinet solo
at the beginning of the 2nd movement. Why not play the last part of the
1st mvt. on A clarinet so the instrument can be warmed up for the big
solo? Does anyone really think the composer would worry about that
deviation from the printed page?
Jim Sclater

James Sclater inet: sclater@-----.edu
Mississippi College (601)925-3445
Clinton, MS 39058