Klarinet Archive - Posting 000259.txt from 1996/02

From: Everett J Austin <BrendaA624@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: What does 'rather fast' mean?
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 1996 03:35:09 -0500

Ziemlich schnell means "somewhat fast". I would submit that this is not as
fast as "rather" fast, which would imply an excess of speed. When the tempo
indications are given in the vernacular, I would think that the composer is
trying to convey a particular feeling of movement more clearly to others
fluent in that language (eg the use of the term "cedez" (yield) frequently in
20th cent French music: to me as a French speaker, this means a lot more than
"rit.") The use of stilted Italian terms would only obscure the the
intention in such a case (cf Copland in English). As for versions of this
piece, I find it hard to imagine a more natural version than the one now on
CD of Hindemith and Cahuzac. (I know George Pietersen has recorded this but
I have not heard the CD. I bet it is very good)
Respectfully,

Everett Austin
Fairfax, CA