Klarinet Archive - Posting 000448.txt from 1996/09

From: Fred <fsheim@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: clarinet & piano
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 18:32:27 -0400

>It's Friday, and no one is posting anything about clarinets,
>mouthpieces, how terrible/fabulous Stolzman's last CD was,
>the obvious differences between German and French instruments
>heard on disc, so I can safely utter my dark secret unheard:
>I--I--I--don't think I really like the sound of the clarinet and
>piano together. Whew! I feel better! I mean, I love clarinet with
>strings, orchestra, I dunno, probably even with voice, but
>I have never heard a live or recorded session with clarinet
>and piano that I really, really liked. When I listen to the complete
>clarinet works of Reger, I do not enjoy the piano + clarinet
>pieces as much the other combinations. I've listened very closely
>to my CD of Wright and Peter Serkin (my only exposure to Wright's
>playing, unfortunately), and I still feel the piano background isn't
>presenting Wright's playing in the best sound environment.
>Am I diseased? Is there hope for me? ------Bill F.
>
>

Gotta say I disagree- maybe its REGER that is the problem- I don't like any
of his clarinet/piano works (or clarinet/string works), although they may be
technically and structurally superior. Its true an orchestra gives a rich,
lush background, and I prefer orchestral accompaniment when doing concertos,
but try listening to melodic chamber works such as the Saint Saens Sonata
etc. Some things do work with piano.

Fred (fsheim@-----.com)