Klarinet Archive - Posting 000415.txt from 1997/01

From: Frank Garcia <fgarcia@-----.EDU>
Subj: McCaw's Nielsen!
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 06:41:41 -0500

Here's to the McCaw recording. I personally like his and Druckers. Druckers
was the first one I ever heard. I was amazed at that computer-like
tongueing of his and his technical wizardry. I know that recording like the
back of my hand. It was one of the reasons I practiced so much when I was a
kid. I wanted to be able to play that piece like that! To add to the
amazement, one of my old teachers studied with Drucker during the recording
and performances of the Nielsen. That teacher told me that the recording
was done in 1 take. I hope that's true.

The McCaw is a much more soulful approach to the piece in my humble
opinion. I haven't heard the recording in a while, but I don't recall his
tempos being particularly slow (definitely not as slow as Benny's!). McCaw
explores more of the musical aspects of the work. He also has a lovely
vibrato. Usually I tire of wide, saxophone-like vibratos of the Reginald
Kell-influenced crowd. I also dislike the sudden spasms of vibrato that is
currently the trend among many of our more famous Americans. McCaw has a
beautiful and vocal vibrato that enhances the music. Personally, I'd like
to hear Thomas Friedli or George Pieterson record this piece. I love their
sounds, their musical integrity and their vibratos!

Frank Garcia

PS: Anyone been catching that Acker Bilk commercial lately? Now there's a
vibrato!

>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