Klarinet Archive - Posting 000234.txt from 1995/12

From: Jason Gresl <Obiecanuck@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Clarinet, Soprano and Piano Music
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 17:27:33 -0500

Hi to all. This is my first visit to the Klarinet world and was excited to
see info on
clar., soprano and piano music. There is an addition to the growing list
that I would like to contribute. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to
play a trio for MEZZo-soprano, clarinet and piano by Judith Layng Zaimont
entitled "From the Great
Land". I would it to be a marvelously moving work. The text is based on an
Eskimo tradition in which once you were too old to help contribute to the
"tribe" your family would take you to a remote iceflow, have a ceremony of
some sort, give you your last meal and then say goodbye.(The details are
hazy, please forgive). Anyway, the soprano sings as if she were the old lady
waiting her fate. The piece, broken into several movements(and lasting over
a half an hour) follows her final hours as she talks of her feelings, her
childhood and has an occasional hallucination.
Both the clarinet player and the pianist, at one time or another, also
play a drum which adds yet another flavor to the music. I remember the piece
being quite challenging at the time and full of character. Ms. Zaimont was
present for the dress rehearsal and concert and it was wonderful to get the
inside scoop as we played.
SO if you are looking....check it out.

Naomi Drucker has recorded it and I no of no other recording. If there are
others please let me know.

Happy music
hunting!

-jason
gresl