Klarinet Archive - Posting 000645.txt from 1997/09

From: "Steven Gordon, M.D. 729 X3151" <GORDONST@-----.org>
Subj: Hearing the clarinet in chamber music
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 17:11:54 -0400

This is to continue the discussion of Fred, Roger, Don and others.

I had the opportunity to hear David Shifrin for 3 different fabulous
concerts in what was part of Chamber Music Northwest - a yearly month
long festival that he has helped bring to Portland Oregon.

One of my learings was his wide dynamic range. The acoustics in this
particular hall are excellent and I was in the 8th row. When the
clarinet part took on less importance, it helped fill in the rich fabric
of a piece but I would have to concentrate to really hear the part. My
ears were drawn to the violin or oboe or whatever. To me this was
fabulous playing, and I learned that you can play very softly and be
heard as part of a group in places without really being heard as an
individual player.

While recordings seem to turn mediocre (or down right untalented)
pop/rock voices into country-wide sensations, I have found recordings to
be relentlessly unforgiving when it comes to chamber work. I think
truly outstanding broadcasts or performances represent live concerts
that we should all regret missing.

Steve Gordon, M.D.
Beaverton, OR