Klarinet Archive - Posting 000711.txt from 1996/03

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Steve Girko
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 22:56:49 -0500

Very interesting indeed. I've only ever heard him perform live, and in a
very "live" hall as well (the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, which
is the home of the DSO, much like Davies Symphony Hall is home to the S.F.
Symphony, etc.). I think perhaps I'll check out my local music store and
find a DSO album to see what he sounds like on recordings. Based on your
description, Ed, I suspect it is very different on CD than it is in real
life, but I'll reserve that statement for when I actually hear it. Maybe
I'll fall in love with his recorded sound and stop going to DSO concerts
(that's absurd, naturally -- the DSO is a good orchestra...although my
heart will always be in San Francisco!).

Neil

On Sun, 24 Mar 1996, Ed Wojtowicz wrote:

> >>>Steve Girko, principal of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, has a tiny,
> bright,
> micro-focused sound which pokes through the orchestra like a needle.......the
> sound itself is very small. Sometimes
> he sounds like he's on Eb. Because it is SO focused (and yes, with an
> edge)........
>
>
>
> I would like to offer a contrasting viewpoint-
>
> Of course, we all seem to have a different concept of the ideal sound, and I
> don't know what recordings or live performances are referred to here. I have
> heard many recordings where I think Steve has a great sound which I admire
> greatly (Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances comes to mind as a fine recording). I
> have not heard him live, but from what I hear on some of his recordings, I
> would describe his sound as full, ringing, clear, colorful, focused and not
> extreme in any way, but a fine example of a balanced sound. I find it
> refreshing to hear a clarinetist who can project and add a distinct and
> vibrant color to the wind section. Some players seem so concerned with a
> covered sound, that (to my ears) the clarinet sometimes gets buried and is
> lost in the orchestra.
>
> Maybe we can do this as a point/counterpoint thing on 60 Minutes?
>
> Ed
>