Klarinet Archive - Posting 001173.txt from 1997/08

From: peter.stoll@-----.ca
Subj: Re: S.Meyer, Galper books, Neil L's comments
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 17:47:02 -0400

Hi all,

Just catching up...I love Sabine M's sound and control, but in the
recording of the Johann Stamitz Concerto I heard, I was struck by the lack
of ornamentation. I believe it was Alan Hacker who put out a version on
original clarinet with period orchestra where he literally ad libs
ornaments and cadenzas as he goes, quite wonderful, and now I find a
"straight" recording doesn't work for me, as it underemphasizes the
Baroque nature of the piece (this Johann Stamitz was I believe the father
of Carl Stamitz the Classical period clarinetist/composer, and I have
heard the J.Stamitz Concerto called the "first concerto for Bb Clarinet").
If you buy the sheet music, I recommend the Schott edition over Peter
Gradenwitz' earlier MCA copy (with the purple spiral design on the cover)
as he adds a lot of unidiomatic-sounding ornaments and cadenzas.

Having been fortunate to study with Abe Galper for 8 years, and as one who
teaches all beginner students with his books, I can heartily recommend
them for the abundance of named melodies (does wonders to keep younger
minds interested!) over the older Rubank-era concept of numbered lines for
page after page. The careful introduction of rhythmic concepts (ie.16th
notes) and articulation are invaluable. Try his scale book also, for those
not ready for the full Baermann 3 diet!

I really appreciate hearing both positive and negative impressions of
different companies, and am a little surprised not that people countered
Neil Leupold's post with a different viewpoint, but that he was rebuked
for making a negative statement (ie."if you like it, tell your friends, if
you don't, tell us"); as one who was ripped off by a private dealer, I
appreciate being forewarned.

Peter Stoll
Instructor of Clarinet and Chamber Music
University of Toronto