Klarinet Archive - Posting 000122.txt from 1997/08

From: "Andrew Scholberg" <ascholbe@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Stolzmann criticism
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 1997 13:50:28 -0400

----------
> From: James Sclater <Sclater@-----.edu>
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: Stolzmann criticism
> Date: Monday, August 04, 1997 7:53 AM
>
> I would agree with Neil's comments wholeheartedly. Stolzmann's personal
style
> of playing is controversial but never wanting in musicality. This point
comes
> back to me in my work on the Kell biographical study. Kell's style was
also
> very personal but never wanting in musicality. The only people who were
> consistently displeased with his playing were other clarinetists, most of
whom
> couldn't touch him musically. The critics stepped all over each other
praising
> his playing. He pleased the public but not, it seems, many other
clarinetists.
> In some ways the same might be said of Stolzmann.

Stoltzman deserves credit. He has perfect control over his instrument. His
ultra-pianissimo is amazing. He produces a good sound. His playing is
adroit and stylish. He's a fine musician and a seasoned showman. Let's face
it: what he does takes guts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he's
making more money than anyone on this list.

Having said that, I have to say his style is not my cup of tea. At times he
calls more attention to himself than to the music he's playing. I don't
object to vibrato, especially if it's used subtly and with restraint for
occasional decoration. Sometimes less is more. Maybe I'm just too square.

Andy Scholberg
ascholbe@-----.com