Klarinet Archive - Posting 000764.txt from 1996/02

From: David Bourque <bassethn@-----.COM>
Subj: Eduard Brunner
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 14:58:55 -0500

On Thu, 22 Feb 1996, Mark Gustavson wrote:

> There's a new ECM recording (1995) of works by Gyorgy Kurtag, and Robert
> Schumann that features among Kim Kashkashian and Robert Levin the clarinetist
> Eduard Brunner.
>
> Does anyone know Eduard Brunner's playing and/or other recordings he is on?
> The performance of the Fantasiestucke, op. 73 is wonderful as well as
> unusual. The tempo of the first movement is mm 63! But through the combined
> efforts of the pianist's and clarinetist's phrasing and balance it remains
> fluid.

In response to a Leeson question about Brunner's equipment some time ago, I
wrote that I had the pleasure of meeting and performing with him at the
Banff Centre in October, 1994. We played a wonderful work by Toronto
composer Gary Kulesha for clarinet, bass clarinet and piano entitled
Mysterium Conjunctionis.

Brunner is a terrific musician and artist. I read with interest Neil's
post about the thin and edgy sound of Brunner. Yes, sound is an important
vehicle for communicating the music, and if the sound interferes with one's
perception and appreciation of the music, I can respect that. But I agree
wholeheartedly with Dan Leeson. From personal experience, Eddie Brunner is
a fabulous player.

Different, yes, but fabulous. Sophisticated phrasing ideas; never
allowing the vagaries of clarinet voicing, attacks or legato to interfere
with his music making; an impressive dynamic range, a startling range of
colours (no, his sound is not always thin and edgy, at least not live). He
has a superb ensemble sense, as one would expect after all those years in
the Bavarian Radio Orchestra under Kubelik (that's Brunner playing first
clarinet on that orchestra's original Mahler cycle).

An artist, in every sense of the word. I am a better player for having had
the opportunity to work with him.

=========================================
David Bourque
bassethn@-----.com
=========================================

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org