Klarinet Archive - Posting 000544.txt from 1997/06

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Immer Kleiner
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 23:17:56 -0400

On Tue, 24 Jun 1997, David Frank wrote:

> For those who don't know, this is a rather corny
> piece where you progressively disassemble the clarinet from the bottom,
> ending up on the mpc alone. I thought it was a bit dumb, but the
> crowd........parents, kids and some of the teaching staff (strings,
> flute, piano) were roaring with laughter.

Actually, for those who don't know, don't be fooled by David's
opinion of the piece. Immer Kleiner may seem like a gag piece
given the disassembly of the clarinet, but it was actually written
with advanced players in mind. If I remember correctly, the music
calls for specific pitches and intervals throughout the process
of taking apart the clarinet. In order to be played precisely
according to the composer's design, the performer must have very
good ears, and an advanced command of air and embouchure control.
Intonation during performance is critical, lest it come off as a
child's piece. As each component of the clarinet is removed,
control over timbre and intonation become progressively more
difficult, especially when it's down to just the mouthpiece
and barrel. I remember spending hours practicing long tones
with just the mouthpiece and barrel as I developed my embouchure
years ago. This technique came in very handy when performing
Immer Kleiner later on. The manuscript should come with actual
instructions from the composer, for those of you who would like
to perform the piece. Chances are, the audience will still
chuckle, but playing this piece is all the more satisfying if
you can say that you realized the composer's intent as well.

Best of luck!

Neil