Klarinet Archive - Posting 000587.txt from 1996/03

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.EDU>
Subj: Caveat
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 1996 00:14:26 -0500

'Received a "warning" email from a concerned Klarinet citizen regarding
my comments about Steve Girko's playing. I would like to make something
completely clear, although I felt I had adequately done so in my prior
statements: Steve Girko is indeed a fine player, regardless of how
I may feel about the quality of his sound. Let's not lose that fact
amidst the other subjective furor. As I stated before, he is a musician
first, a clarinetist second -- meaning that the music is always
thoughtfully crafted and shaped, regardless of whether or not I happen to
like the quality of his sound while doing so. This statement applies to
many others who are considered amongst the greatest players this country
has ever seen, i.e.; Stanley Drucker, Anthony Gigliotti, etc. Many players
disagree with their tone qualities as well, but ask a NON-clarinetist what they
hear, and they will say, "Remarkable shaping of phrases...gorgeous melodic
line...beautiful music." It is often important to step away from our intense
focus on the clarinet and take a look at what the real issue will always be:
Is music being made? I addressed Steve Girko's playing with respect to tone
projection in the concert hall, because he is a prime example of a player
who projects extremely effectively in the hall (just too much for my taste is
all). In answer to my own question with respect to Girko's artistry, yes,
the music is absolutely always there. Does he care about what I think of
his playing? We're talking Girko here. Clarinet is like air, food, and
water to him. GOD could tell him to stop and he wouldn't listen. My opinion
means nothing to him, which is as it should be.

Neil