Klarinet Archive - Posting 000317.txt from 1997/01

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.us>
Subj: Re: How much opinion vs. how much fact
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 17:17:34 -0500

This topic brings back memories - from the last time. I think I was the
the person who said "Damn the composer, I'll use whatever clarinet will
make my life easier in the orchestra". I then proceeded to receive the
wrath of Dan L. Whatever the curse or incantation he used, did work. I'm
still a poor musician, looking for the perfect reed, and have to teach
trumpet player how to play the clarinet.
I will (try to) do anything the composer asks. BUT. Here are two
scenarios and you judge:

1) The orchestra is playing Brahms 3. The clarinetist is following
the PCK (politically correct key) clarinet rule. Right after a beautiful
opening solo on Bb, the clarinetist switches to his A clarinet - Oh my God!
- he ends up with a 3 piece clarinet ( seperate reed, ligature,
mouthpiece/clarinet). Good thing this is a rehearsal. At break, he talks
to the conductor and explains to the maestro that he can't go that fast or
if he could pause to let him change clarinets - Brahms wrote it that way
you know. As the clarinetist leaves the podium, sure that the maetro was
enlighted on what Brahms wanted, the conductor asks him: By the way, what
street corner will you be selling pencils on next week?

2) Brahms 3 is up. The clarinetist plays the opening all on A
clarinet since the clarinet will be warmed up, in tune, and he won't have
to worry about not switching in time. All goes well AND the clarinetist
doesn't have to enlighten the maestro on any musical point (or sell
pencils). He is haunted the rest of his life by the ghost of Brahms,
until he visits right tavern in Germany and buys the ghost of Brahms a good
liter of German beer (none of that watery American brew).

Can anyone tell from a recording or live performance what (A or Bb)
clarinet is being played? Isn't the top priority the music? There are
players that sound "bright" on an A clarinet and some that sound "dark" on
a Bb clarinet so why be so religious on what clarinet to use? I know I
will be getting the next curse of Dan L. - Your Kentucky Fried Chicken
boxes will never have any legs in them! Probally the trick is to use the A
clarinet. At the switch time, put the A down on the peg, remove your hand
from it, and then just pick up the same clarinet. The only one that will
know will be you (and the ghost of Brahms).

Dan P.

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Daniel A. Paprocki
Instructor of Clarinet
Malone College
Kent State University - Stark Campus
dap@-----.us

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