Klarinet Archive - Posting 000555.txt from 1996/01

From: Lisa Clayton <clayton@-----.EDU>
Subj: Is that it? Is it all over? (fwd)
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 14:50:44 -0500

> Is that it? Are we done discussing the Sinfonie Concertante? Think
> about it, friends. When we spoke together and shared our views on
> the subjects of vibrato, dark/light sounds, use of the C clarinet in
> performance, reeds, mouthpieces, that is, all things associated with the
> mechanics of clarinet playing, we spent months exhausting the topics.
> Some of these topics have not yet been exhausted and will perpetually
> appear on this list. Reeds, cork grease, mouthpieces, are constantly
> appearing as topics on this board (as they should). New things
> happen and we are the beneficiaries of this kind of information.
>
> But whenever an in-depth discussion of repertoire (the very heart of
> our business) is begun, it generally poops out in a matter of days.
> There are few exceptions. And that puzzles me. It would seem that
> the interest of a clarinet player's list such as this would be somewhat
> equally divided between some very detailed discussions of major (and
> minor) works in the repertoire on one hand, and the mechanical
> aspects of clarinet playing on the other.

<snipped>

Just to second the incredible Mr. Leeson, I have found that this list
teaches me more about the clarinet than I have learned in a lifetime
of piddling with the instrument on a part-time basis. All these
discussions teach me something useful. Frankly, and I realize
this is appalling on many levels, I did not know anything about
Mozart's works on the clarinet until I landed here, let alone
some of the controversies and issues. All of it is an incredible,
beautiful, enlightening education, previously unavailable to those
of us who don't have the time or the resources to spend on serious
clarinet study. For that, I'm deeply grateful to this list.

All I can really contribute is towards discussions of cork grease,
reeds, and mouthpieces, and even then only minimally. Every clarinetist
has to deal with those, so every clarinetist has an opinion. Not
everyone has dealt with the kind of repertory most orchestral and chamber
clarinetists have, so those will have much less commentary from
us avocational types. I realize that Mr. Leeson's remarks are
probably not directed toward us, but it may explain, in some ways,
why those topics are not as broadly expounded upon. I have some
opinions on reeds and mouthpieces, limited as they are, but none
on Mozart since I'm very aware of my abysmal ignorance on the topic.

This is not to say that Mr. Leeson's challenge shouldn't be taken up;
quite the opposite, since I crave the education I get here. I *need*
it. It makes me a better, more thoughtful clarinetist. It gets my
curiosity going, it keeps me practicing, it prompted me to take lessons,
and it introduced me to clarinetists from Reginald Kell (who I'm searching
good record stores for) to Giora Feldman. Following discussions about
repertoire gets me to search my band's archives for examples, has me
rooting about Byron Hoyt for scores, and makes me read more about
Classical music, composers and their works.

I can't emphasize how necessary this is to me now. I'm looking forward
to more-- MUCH more. Thank you!

____ Lisa K. Canjura-Clayton The obligatory homepage:
/ clayton@-----.edu/~clayton
/ Band=Life COMING SOON: Virtual Barstow!
"There is nothing more onanistic than playing the bass clarinet by yourself"
-Steve Trier