Klarinet Archive - Posting 000612.txt from 1996/03

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 1996 13:14:14 -0500

There was a posting from Kjartan Oskarsson who plays with the
Iceland Symphony Orchestra just this morning. It is the second
or third one I have seen from him and it reminded me of an
article of several weeks ago in the NY Times.

A reviewer was commenting on either a live concert given in
NY by that Orchestra or else some other opportunity to hear
the ensemble. I don't remember which but I think it was for
a concert held in New York.

And the review was glorious!! He was full of praise of the
wonderful playing of the group and spoke of how, until relatively
recently, no symphonic work had ever been performed in Iceland
because there was no orchestra and none had ever come through
on a tour. He contrasted this beginning with the present state
of what he called a "major symphony orchestra" and it was enjoyable
to read the review. I had a personal issue involved because a friend
of mine and former conductor of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra often
spoke of the state of music on the island. (Is it OK to call
Iceland and island? Is it politically correct?)

So, in personal curiously, I ask that Kjartan tell us about what
playing is like in Iceland. What clarinet systems are used, Oehler,
Boehm, etc.? What kind of training exists both for the beginner
and the intended professional? What is the orchestral schedule,
1 or 2 concerts a week? Are there opportunities for opera,
chamber music, etc.? What happens when a rare instrument (Heckelphone
or basset horn) is required?

We on this list have often spoke of French players and German players,
but the Danish school (of which I suspect Iceland is a part) have
rarely been mentioned except in conjunction with the Nielsen
concerto.

I for one, am anxious to know more.

Please tell us of yourself Kjartan, and not to me personally but to the
list itself. I believe that many would be very pleased to know more
about the state of music in a place that is very foreign to our
geographic and musical sensibilities.

Incidentally, the conductor of whom I spoke above as being the conductor
of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra was George Cleve and he was there
about 30 years ago. He told me that he did the first performance of
Daphnis in Iceland.

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
====================================