Klarinet Archive - Posting 000374.txt from 1996/03

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.US>
Subj: Re: More of the Dan and Dan show
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 1996 20:49:42 -0500

Dan,
The bagpipe is the one in plaid. I think we're in agreement that
we disagree (somewhat). I do follow the composers intent - if I have that
clarinet (alas, I don't have a D or C clarinet). For me the order is: I
follow the composers intent (if possible), what the conductor wants (no
matter how right or wrong), and my section leader. If the 1st clarinet
says transpose, I do it. If the conductor wants whatever, I do it. I
agree, I'm not paid to change the score. I will try and play the music to
the best of my ability in order to represent the composer. If I feel that
a passage will sound better (either tuning, smoother technique, or what
ever) with a different clarinet I will consider doing that after I've tried
(and practiced) it the way the composer wanted it.
You are right, conductors don't insist on specific instruments.
You're right who is to say how to do these things. I just base my opinion
(sorry about using that word) on what other (who've been around the block
more than I have) say. Or I should say I take into account their views and
formulate my own. I had one teacher who never would consider a trick
fingering. The next teacher always had a trick for any sticky situation.
Who's right?
We could also debate that German composers should be played on
German bore clarinets (English on English, etc) since that is the tone
color that Brahms, Strauss, or whoever had in mind when they composed the
piece. There's just as much difference in sound between a German
(Wurlitzer or Hammerschmidt), English (B&H 1010), and French (Buffet,etc)
bore clarinets as there is bewteen Bb and A clarinets. I do realize that
the Chicago guys (Larry, John, Greg, and Lawrie) are playing Wurlitzer and
Yamaha German system clarinet for some German pieces (I saw Larry do the
Schubert Octet on a Wurlitzer - fantastic and talked to him and John after
the concert) but we all can't afford German clarinets. Most big orchestra
trumpet sections are using rotor trumpets in German pieces or when the
comductor wants that color. Should we do the same?

Tune in tomorrow. I have to practice

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki
dap@-----.us

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