Klarinet Archive - Posting 000502.txt from 1997/06

From: E.Kelvin@-----.au (Elisabeth Kelvin)
Subj: Re: Seeking: Composer /performers
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 23:45:05 -0400

Mel,
How can I resist?
I have found that over the years,the process of working out all the
wrinkles in clarinet performance and understanding the music from a
structural angle, it has been an almost natural to confront composition.
For instance, in regards to the works that I have wriitten for clarinet ( I
have also produced some computer music) there was always a practical
premise.

In a work I wrote for prepared clarinet, I wanted to create more repertoire
that allowed the clarinetist to discover new sounds and I found that each
time I began, I would produce stuff that could have come out of numerous
living and dead composers' clarinet music waste baskets! By preparing the
clarinet in a particular way (and there are many ) I found myself
confronted with new sounds that generated new ideas. Thus "other than
those signals desired..." was born.

I also direct a new music ensemble, Contemporary Music Group, consisting of
a highly unusal collection of instruments and again, out of desperate need
for repertoire, I wrote Nomos Aroma for flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, sop
sax, alto sax, bari sax, 2 guitars and cello. It was a fantastic
experience to write and get performed a large work for such a strange
ensemble.

If you are wishing to compose, my best suggestion is to find a good enough
reason and the piece will "beg" to be written. Secondly, though not
insignificant, just get started and write something down, show it to
someone else and go from there!

It is a highly recommended activity for any performer,as one develops a new
respect for other composers. I should warn you: there is normal time and
"composition time" and you will find hours and hours will slip away before
you realise that you have been sitting there thinking about the next note
or dynamic or whether the last phrase works or how to end the monster you
have created... all in all a highly addictive activity.

Good luck and keep the questions flowing!

Dear Elisabeth,
>
>I know this wasn't the reply you expected. I don't compose, but I have a
>million songs in my head for clarinet and band that I would love to
>write. However, I don't quite know how to get started. Could you help
>me?
>
>Mel
>hlandry@-----.com

Elisabeth Kelvin
Lecturer of Clarinet
Co-ord. Woodwind, Brass & Percussion
Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music
University of Tasmania
Ph: (03) 6226 7345
Fax: (03) 6226 7318
email: E.Kelvin@-----.au
"It was better when it was worse."
unknown

   
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