Klarinet Archive - Posting 000187.txt from 1997/07

From: fgarcia@-----.edu (Frank Garcia)
Subj: Re: "pompass(Sp.!)" and other intelligent utterances
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 07:37:03 -0400

I agree with Don. This whole thread on Mozart improvisation has been
interesting and enlightening. I believe that every clarinetist whose
opinions differ from Dan Leeson (or Jerry Korten for that matter) would
still state that this discourse has been thought provoking.

Dan is one of the leading Mozart scholars. We should listen to what he says
about Mozart. This doesn't mean we all should accept his word as gospel.
Whether or not we choose to apply his knowledge to our own playing
practices is up to each individual on this list. I'm certain Dan would be
bored to hear every performance of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto performed
the way that he would perform it.

I enjoy reading Dan's responses, and Jerry's counter responses. I believe
we all learn from such debates. There is no reason that we can not all
benefit from such communications. Please continue to post any relevant
messages to the list for us all to enjoy and learn from. If this subject
becomes tiresome for anyone, use your delete key.

If and when a certain individual begins to contribute insightful, informed
and constructive utterances to this list, I will read them. Unfortunately,
all I have seen thus far are personal attacks upon a man whose opinion I
respect and admire. Now that Dan is in Europe and unable to defend himself,
I find it even more irritating and cowardly.

I believe this list can and should be a means to improving the knowledge
and performance of the clarinet. In keeping with the spirit of this list,
try offering insightful, learned and constructive information instead of
personally slamming people. My delete key will be used on all of *your*
irritating, insignificant and impertinent commentaries. "Below the
belt"...no, I think it's more like trying to bite his ear off!
Frank Garcia

>>Date: Sun, 6 Jul 97 20:29:53 -0600
>>From: tedlane <tedlane@-----.net>
>>Subject: Re: Re Jerry Korten's note on improvisation
>
>[Here followed lengthy quotes of postings by Dan Leeson and Jennifer Hall
>- please see Klarinet Digest #68 or the specific posts]
>
>>I tend to agree with Jennifer. We get so much junk which really fills up
>>the mailboxes. There is really great potential here.
>>
>>You guys can carry on your fight/disscussion or whatever, privately. No
>>elections were taken, just my opinion, Jennifers and Lord knows how many
>>more out there.
>>
>>I'm just looking forward to MONDAY MONDAY. Europe will have its hands
>>full and I'll be very glad to be in the good old USA.
>>
>>There is someone on this sight that just LOVES to argue in his
>>pompass(Sp.!) way. Several of my young clarinet students have been
>>confused and hurt by this person over the last few years.
>>
>>Enough is Enough!
>>
>> I'll let his name remain nameless as it should be.
>
>Dear Tedlane (I have only this e-mail handle by which to address you),
>
>Normally I quickly skim through the occasional unpleasant post that
>appears on this list and try to forget it. I certainly have never chosen
>to comment on one before, since I hope that lack of comment will cause
>the unpleasantness to be forgotten more quickly.
>
>Your post is such a cheap shot, however, that it has pulled me out of
>passivity. I do not appreciate the use of foul language or the reference
>to Deity, especially when it is being used to attack a colleague. Dan
>Leeson posts significant contributions, which I appreciate because of
>their objectivity and thoroughness. In the three months I have been on
>this list, I have not observed Dan Leeson to intentionally confuse or
>hurt anyone. On the contrary, if he feels he has offended, he apologizes.
>You even quoted one!
>
>As far as the charge of "pompous" (this is how it's spelled) is
>concerned, the past three months do not bear this out. Dan Leeson's
>delivery is direct and informed, and the evidence on record shows that he
>is truly interested in fact; and even if it requires him to revise his
>own opinion, he does so and is greatful for the correction.
>
>Your attack on Dan Leeson is undeserved and "below the belt".
>
>Respectfully,
>
>Don Christensen
>chr@-----.de