Klarinet Archive - Posting 000373.txt from 1997/01

From: Roger Shilcock
Subj: My favorite Nielsen! (fwd)
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 13:39:35 -0500

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 09:25:21 -0600
From: Robt. Walzel <aqrlw%TTUVM1.TTU.EDU@-----.UK>
Subject: My favorite Nielsen!

Another old recording of the Nielsen not mentioned yet that I highly
recommend for anyone, but particularly students, is the Jack McCaw release
on the Unicorn label (UNS 239). I do not know if it is currently available
but if not, it would be worth looking for in used record shops. For my
taste it is still the most interesting interpretation ever recorded. His
tempos are noticeably slower in the really difficult places, but his
playing is extremely musical. Many players attempt this "Mt. Everest" of
our repertoire with the attitude of faster is better or "I'm going to play
it that fast because I can!" McCaw explores a musical side of this piece
which gave me as a student, and now my students, things to consider in
formulating a unique interpretation.

Just to plant a seed for a somewhat new topic of discussion, I believe
McCaw, who was Solo Clarinetist with the Philharmonia and then New
Philharmonia Orchestra in England, was one of the first English
clarinetists (although he is actually from New Zealand) to abandon the
Boosey 1010 in favor of the Buffet. I have always admired McCaw's playing
and would be interested in reading more discussion about him.

Robert Walzel, Festival Coordinator - ClarinetFest '97
Texas Tech University School of Music
ph#806-742-2270 FAX#806-742-2294
ClarinetFest '97 http://www.ttu.edu/~music/clarinetfest

I have a copy of this record - unfortunately, it got lost for a while and
may well be unplayable; I haven't dared try it out since it came to light
again. The other side has the Mozart on it - I don't know what the best
recording of the Mozart is these days, but I don't think the McCaw one is
in the top few, From what I remember, it's a little bit faceless.
Roger Shilcock