Klarinet Archive - Posting 000422.txt from 1995/11

From: Josias Associates <josassoc@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Francaix Concerto Info.
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 1995 21:02:45 -0500

On Fri, 24 Nov 1995, Desmond Beazley wrote:

> To: klarinet@-----.bitnet
>
>
>
> Does anyone have information about the Francaix clarinet concerto that would
> be suitable for program notes.
>
> =========================================================================
> Desmond Beazley Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra
> =========================================================================
>
>
> desmond@-----.il
>
> ---
> ~ RM 1.31 2649 ~
>
Desmond,

In addition to the excellent response by Fred Jacobowitz, I'd
like to quote from Jack Brymer's 1976 book, "Clarinet," in which he
says of the Francaix Concerto:

"A work for the future, possibly, when the instrument has
developed further or the human hand has changed. At present, its roulades
in the key of B major are beyond almost any player; but the work is a
worthwhile challenge, and the A clarinet would probably provide the answer."

Judging by current performances (I have recordings by Maurice
Gabai and Phillip Couper), today's performers seem to be fearlessly
ignoring Brymer's admonition, added to which the composition, with all
its difficulties, seems to be creeping increasingly into the audition
literature.

One last item: Klarinet subscriber Jonathan Cohler is
one of the most directly informed people on the subject of Jean Francaix.
He has corresponded with the composer and also has a superb CD in the
commercial marketplace in which he plays the composer's "Theme and
Variations" for clarinet and piano. He may also have some first-hand
insights to offer along with some of the other comments you have received.

Connie

Conrad Josias
La Canada, California

   
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