Klarinet Archive - Posting 000454.txt from 1997/01

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: How much opinion vs how much fact
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 23:13:57 -0500

Reply to Gary Young RE

>Jerry Korten writes: "To make an assumption that a composer, such as
>Stravinsky or Brahms, was only casually acquainted with the difference
>between an A and a Bb is naive and insulting. You should not publicize such
>views." Wow!

Wow, those words are a little harsh. Did I sound quite that bad?

My feelings especially are quided by the Stravinsky, who - in choosing two
clarinets for the three pieces, clearly understood the difference between the
instruments. The effect he is after is one of timbre. I doubt absolute pitch
played a role in his decision (although the first two movements do use the
low E this is an argument for using the A by necessity, but I see here the
reason to argue on this point as well).

I think I was getting upset that people do not consider the A and the Bb
different animals (different timbre, not just different keys).

I agree that a composer would learn more and more about an instrument as they
matured. Clearly Brahms had a revelation late in life about the Clarinet -
thanks to Muhlfeld. I think that Brahms was a genius, yes. And I will assume
that he had specific reasons to choose a particular instrument. I find it
irksome that people so freely choose to second guess, when representing his
art.

But I agree, it must have been late at night when I wrote that. Sorry...
Please allow me to continue in discussion and not follow my own rule.

Jerry Korten