Klarinet Archive - Posting 000712.txt from 1996/01

From: niethamer@-----.BITNET
Subj: Copland Concerto (Atlanta/Ardan)
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 23:53:57 -0500

On my way to the grocery store yesterday, I was delayed 20 minutes by a
wonderful performance of the Copland Clarinet Concerto. Laura Ardan,
Principal Clarinetist in Atlanta, performed the concerto with the Atlanta
Symphony, conducted by Yoel Levy. The performance was broadcast on NPR's
"Performance Today".

Laura Ardan's playing was gorgeous. The first mvt showed a beautiful
mellow tone quality, secure intervals (no matter how large), and very
accurate intonation.

The cadenza was played with just the right hint of jazz for me - no
excessive "swinging" of the written part. It built to a climax leading to
the second mvt in a way that kept me interested in the ever-increasing
energy of the writing and playing.

The second mvt. also had just the right inflection for me. A subtle hint
of jazz style was always present, without over-doing it in a blatant and
obvious way. Throughout, the sound and intonation were impeccable.

The Atlanta Symphony, conducted by Maestro Levy, played well in some
pretty treacherous string writing. Balance with the solo clarinet was
always good, and the important lines were always audible.

I don't know whether this performance will pop up again on an Atlanta
Symphony broadcast, but if you see it listed on your local public radio
station, be sure to catch it. I've played the concerto three times here
in Richmond, and own lots of different recordings. If I'd been home to
tape it, this performance would be my favorite.

David Niethamer