Klarinet Archive - Posting 001198.txt from 1997/09

From: Josias Associates <josassoc@-----.com>
Subj: Re: More questions: Goodman Commissions
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 18:17:32 -0400

I have written program notes for many years on the Poulenc
Clarinet Sonata in which I attribute Benny Goodman as the commissioner or
object of the work. But when that same assumption by Frank Garcia came into
question by several knowledgable list members, I felt a temporary anguish
at the thought that I might have misled people in the past.

After rechecking my sources, I felt better. I cite the following
reference by Edward Tatnall Canby: "The 'Clarinet Sonata,' composed for
Benny Goodman, was first heard in New York in April of 1963, with Leonard
Bernstein at the piano." One possible explanation for the waters
having become muddied on this subject is that the music was published
posthumously, at a time when the composer was no longer available to
correct such an omission.

Adding to the list of Goodman-inspired works, I would include
Morton Gould's "Eight Duos for Clarinet and String Bass." This minor,
yet worthy, composition was not commissioned by Goodman, but was given
to him by his close friend, Gould, as a surprise birthday gift.

Connie

Conrad Josias
La Canada, California