Klarinet Archive - Posting 000763.txt from 1997/09

From: "Lou Polcari" <polcari@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Brahms 2nd Sonata question
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 03:02:23 -0400

> "Sostenuto" is not really a tempo indication at all.
> Roger Shilcock

Hi Roger

> > Although Sostenuto, may not mean literally to slow the tempo, I think
it
> > does mean to sustain the sound beyond normal values and in that slowing
the
> > tempo slightly. In this movement the slight tempo change to the slower
can
> > be very powerful. Ask your pianist to consider it. This is just my
> > opinion.

As I said it may not be a tempo indicator, I would disagree with your
absolute statement. For instance, in the Harvard Dictionary of Music" it
gives us this concept. " Sostenuto- Sustaining the tone to or beyond
nominal value and thus sometimes with the implication slackening the
tempo." What do you think that means? and would you not think it at
least applies to the Brahms? If you don't the nice thing is that this is
they why I think you and I can both perform this Sonata, and if we are
within stylistic boundaries, then its wonderful to hear both versions.
Didn't you just do this sonata just last spring Roger?