Klarinet Archive - Posting 000562.txt from 1997/06

From: apod@-----.uk (Audrey Podmore)
Subj: Re: Seeking: Composer /performers
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 18:47:04 -0400

Dear Elisabeth,

I compose, although I haven't done much for clarinet, to date, apart from some
studies. In fact, until quite recently, I had restricted myself to writing
stuff that my pupils could perform ( Like you, I find composing totally
absorbing and enormously time- consuming!). As they mostly had some degree of
physical disability, this was a rather severe limitation on my output! One day,
I woke up to the fact that if I didn't hurry up and start writing what I wanted
to write, I would miss the boat altogether! Happily, this decision coincided
with the birth of COMA (Contemporary Music for Amateurs). This is a most
exciting organisation which is dedicated to extending the amateur repertoire.
It commissions works, suitable for amateur performance, from top-flight
composers. It also puts out calls for pieces, from amateur composers, which are
show-cased in high profile workshops and performances. An action packed Summer
School includes a wide choice of improvisation and composition workshops. Last
year, we were invited to submit short pieces for string quartet, which were
discussed and performed by a professional quartet. This year it is pieces for
members of a mixed ensemble (Gemini). The group includes the clarinettist, Ian
Mitchell, so no doubt many of us will feature the clarinet. (My own piece is
for soprano, clarinet, violin and cello)

Surprisingly, perhaps, I have not encountered any examples of extended clarinet
technique in the vast amount of new music I have heard at COMA. I was most
intrigued to hear about your 'prepared' clarinet. I hadn't even heard of that
being done in professional performances. I'm not sure that I would like the
idea of messing with my clarinet, though, knowing what havoc can be wreaked by
tampering with the mechanism! Or do you mean by putting the instrument into
different sorts of resonator, as others on the list have described.

Anyone interested in composition should look out for COMA's website, when it
comes online. There is a private mailing list for members, at present, and it
is intended to have a range of online services.

COMA's email address is 100344.2546@-----.com

Cheers!

Audrey

Audrey Podmore
freelance teacher/facilitator, LINK-IT Consultant National Council for
Educational Technology

email apod@-----.uk

On Mon 23 Jun 97 (14:48:17 +1000), e.kelvin@-----.au wrote:
>Are there any clarinet players who compose, or composers who play
>clarinet? It would be interesting to start a composer/performer
>dialogue.
>
>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
>
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