Klarinet Archive - Posting 000840.txt from 1996/03

From: Lisa Clayton <clayton@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Nate Burk and innocence
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 15:46:51 -0500

> Very interesting Dan but I'm afraid I have to disagree. I do agree with
> Nate though. What first attracted me to the Clarinet was it's warm, dark,
> full, and yes, innocent sound. I believe Vibrato is a good thing when
> used correctly but what you described is something else! Those composers
> would probably turn over in their graves if they knew how their works
> were being interpreted. Most importantly regarding your comment about how
> music in general comes from the crotch. There is hardly anything in this
> world anymore that isn't influenced by one crotch or another. To me,
> music is one of the few things that is still pure which is untouched by
> the things of the physical world. It renews the soul and comes from the
> HEART of the composer whose feelings are immortally imprinted in his music.
> I don't get horny when I listen to Beethoven or Mozart. Instead I feel
> repose and peace. Music is how I express my inner self, the intangible
> realm of emotions and thoughts. There's too much sex out there as it is.
> To introduce sex into music is probably the most horrible thing anyone
> can do. If you want, you can start your own Clarinet porno. magazine, you
> certainly have the qualifications but don't mess with something as sacred
> as music especially over the NET. In other words, keep your Clarinet
> fetishes to yourself.
> Lawrence Au

And I strongly DISagree. Sexuality is a key component of music, as
much as emotion or intellect. The amazing poet and writer Audre Lord
explored the sexual energy in her classic essay, "The Uses of the Erotic".
To her, erotic energy was a major component of creativity. Sexual passion
fuels all other passions; to her, writing poetry was just as erotic
as being with her lover.

To me, music has much of that energy that I'd characterize as erotic.
It's not only from the "crotch"-- it's also emotional, that deep connection
that sexuality brings into relationships. Whether that relationship
is with my clarinet or with my spouse is, to me, not a question of
a lack of sexual passion, but how it is directed. When I can hit the
perfect lick, when I can finesse a difficult passage, it can be as satisfying
in a passionate way as the connection I have with my beloved.

What is presented as "sex" today by Big Media is, IMHO, some lukewarm,
pre-packaged, over-marketed McSex shadow of what sexuality really is. To me
sexuality is passion, it is respect, it is connection that can't be
readily described. Sexual energy doesn't have to be consummated
despite what BM presents, it doesn't have to be directed at a thin
young girl with a can of Bud in her had. Sex isn't about scoring with
the chicks or dissin' the hoes. Sex *is* about passion, fun, love,
consent, respect, bonding and, moreover, good, healthy LUST-- in other
words, erotic energy.

Dan's post, with its usual good humor and tongue firmly in cheek, really
characterized that charge I get when I play hard and play well.
For some, Mozart may be peaceful and reposing, but for me Mozart can also
be funny, tender, intimate, and yes, very sexual. Music and sex do
have a relationship.

Sex is a good thing. Don't mistake it for McSex.

____ Lisa K. Canjura-Clayton The obligatory homepage:
/ clayton@-----.edu/~clayton
/ Band=Life Virtual Barstow IS NOW ONLINE!
"There is nothing more onanistic than playing the bass clarinet by yourself"
-Steve Trier