Klarinet Archive - Posting 000406.txt from 1997/07

From: hlandry@-----.com (Harvey G Landry)
Subj: Re: ICA High School Competition 1998
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 17:23:10 -0400

Craig,

C. F. Peters Corporation, the company that copyrighted "Rhapsody", can be
contacted at :
C.F. Peters Corporation
373 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016

I played Rhapsody for Clarinet by Willson Osborne this year for All-City
Solo contest this year, and I earned a superior on it. From one who has
played it: This will probably be the hardest thing you've ever played.
If it isn't, I envy you.

I'm not saying it just because of the impossible 16th notes in measures
9-14, 53, and 64-68, nor the eccentric rhythms, or the accidentals, or
the optional 32th notes, or the musical terms used in there that not even
my band teacher ever heard of, although they all contribute greatly.(
BTW, those" mere" 72 measures will take 5-6 minutes to play if you follow
the recommended speeds.)

I'm saying it because it is a RHAPSODY. Webster's defines rhapsody as:
"1. An extravagantly enthusiastic expression of feeling. 2. A work, esp.
a musical composition, marked with an impassioned style."

THAT is exactly what you must play.

The music won't help you. Repeatable patterns are rare. There is no
definable refrain. Most importantly, THERE IS NO MELODY. To make the
work actually songlike and not just a mess of notes, you must reach deep
into your heart to recall the feelings of ecstasy, passion, anger, and
sadness. Think of an old girlfriend. Then you must put the feelings you
felt for her in the song. How you do it is up to you.

This was the hardest thing I ever played. If you choose it, tell me.
Good luck.

Mel
hlandry@-----.com