Klarinet Archive - Posting 000867.txt from 1995/10

From: Derek Parsons <Parsons_Derek/furman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Copland Concerto (and accompanist bashing!)
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 1995 09:51:05 -0400

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Subject: Re: Copland Concerto (and accompanist b
TO: KLARINET@-----.BITNET,
polcari@-----.COM
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Hello Lou:

I must admit, sitting here in my ivory tower, that the economics of hiring the
players is a bit of a concern that I hadn't considered, but I was thinking from
the standpoint that just about all universities can field 2 pianists and a bass
player from amongst the faculty members.

Since we're being philosophical here, I can say that, frankly, I'm seriously
annoyed with pianists out there who charge big bucks to get an opportunity to
perform major works of the chamber music world (and I can say that, because I
was one of those pianists who decided to give the soloists a break). I studied
chamber music with a professor who simply refused to let us charge for such
wonderful musical opportunities. I know that Copland technically is a concerto
reduction, not written for piano, but, let's face it, WHERE'S YOUR SENSE OF
ADVENTURE??!! It's a sorry state in the world when pianists are in this for the
money!! I'm SIMPLY FED UP WITH PIANISTS WHO TRASH THROUGH GOOD MUSIC JUST FOR
THE PAYCHECK THAT WAITS AT THE END. Yes, I know that pianists have to eat too,
but, for heaven's sake, is there nobody left who just loves to play??

Sorry, but this eats at me - please share this with your colleagues!

Thanks for your interest - I'll let you know if anything comes of my venture
(and I'm not in it for the money!!)

Derek J. Parsons
Assoc. Professor of Piano
Furman University
Greenville, SC 29613
parsons_derek/furman@-----.edu
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