Klarinet Archive - Posting 000883.txt from 1997/03

From: Cadenza <Cadenza@-----.COM>
Subj: Opening WW chords
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 15:38:25 -0500

I read the posted bit from Steven Haaser about opening WW chords in
"Scheherazade". I do feel that rebalancing and reorchestrating certain WW
chords can be beneficial. One such example which I have never heard in tune
(and I'm talking about recordings with Berlin PO, Boston SO and LSO) is the
second chord in the overture of Midsummer Nights Dream.

As some of you might recall the first chord is two flutes playing an E and a G
(implying e minor). The second chord, the one that's never in tune, is B
major with the two flutes on top and 2 clar on the bottom. Try reversing the
second flute with 1st clar. It seems to make the chord work. B(a 7th above
middle c)-2nd CL, D sharp-2nd FL, F sharp-1st CL, B (an 8va and 7th above
middle c)-1st FL. Of course I speak in concert pitch.

The problem with Mendelssohn's orchestration is not so much the tuning as
something else in the acoustics of the Flutes and Clarinets arguing with each
other.