Klarinet Archive - Posting 000606.txt from 1996/10

From: Derek Grice <dr_grice@-----.AU>
Subj: Re: Berlin Phil clarinetists?
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 00:53:06 -0400

Jonathon Cohler wrote
>Fred,
>
>I would agree with most of what you say, but having played as an orchestral
>player and now performing as a conductor and soloist I would add an
>important caveat.
>
>In some sense, more experienced players don't need to watch as much, but in
>another sense, I would contend that they are able to watch and pick up
>subtle signals from the conductor entirely through peripheral vision.
>Certainly, at the same time, they are integrating these signals with what
>they are hearing around them.
>
>But I can assure you, that subtle signals from a conductor (in the non
>"traffic cop" portions of a score) can make a tremendous difference in the
>sound of an orchestra even when noone in the orchestra is looking directly
>at the conductor.
>
>Further, it is fairly uncommon these days (especially among the major
>orchestras), but some conductors (in which I hopefully count myself) like
>to do orchestral rubato and shaping, just as smaller chamber music groups
>do. This requires looking at the conductor, whether through direct or
>peripheral vision, so that the changes and shaping follow one unified
>conception. If the rubato is simply practiced into place (so that the
>orchestra can do it without watching), then I find it looses its vitality
>and becomes as uninteresting as straight playing. In other words, it is
>the very spontanaeity (sp?) of the rubato that makes it interesting.
>
>Certainly, individual players on solo passages can make a rubato or phrase
>shaping, and still fit into the ensemble, without "being conducted" but
>there is no way for a group of players to do this without it being a
>non-spontaneous, totally rehearsed gesture.
>
>-----------------
>Jonathan Cohler
>cohler@-----.net
>

I find this very true, as a learning clarinetist in Australia I have found
it vital to watch the conductor for subtle rubato and style changes. Also
how do you know when to come in arter a cut in the music if you aren't
watching the conductor? Often a conductor will conduct totally different on
a concert night and you don't this is going to happen unless you watch!!
And it's not that big of a hassel to watch the conductor because all you
have to do is put your stand in the line of sight with conductor. Anyway
you should know the music quite well so you don't need to see your music
all the time.
On last thing, if we don't watch the conductor some day a conductor will
come and feel as if nobody is watching him and get irritated and start to
abuse you and I think thats fair enough because he's there to be watched
and if you don't you are missing avital component in your playing, playing
in time with the ensemble.

These are just my views and experience.

Derek Grice
Conservatorium of Music Tasmania
Australia