Klarinet Archive - Posting 000093.txt from 1997/10

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: difference?
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 12:48:05 -0400

Just a few personal observations:

[snip]
> On Fri, 3 Oct 1997, Lorne G. Buick wrote:
> there's a big difference between being aable to distinguish oneself as a
> part of a much larger whole (even in big solos like Sibelius 1 (or is it
> 2?), Beethoven 4 etc.) and being responsible for the whole interpretation
> of a sonata and a whole program. No matter how great musicians these
> players are, they don't get to exercise that ability much in an orchestral
> career and often when they come out of the orchestra to do a concerto or a
> solo recital they're quite boring.

This is quite true, however, every note in the orchestral part needs to be
interpreted by the musician - thoroughly - before the conductor ever
lifts a baton. It is the conductor that often overrides such an
interpretation - the result being the clarinetist being buried in the
texture.

> I was also thinking partly in terms of _getting_ an orchestral job -
> certainly getting through the first round requires more attention to
> perfect execution than individual interpretation.

Actually, this comment is not true at all. It is individual
interpretation that wakes the hearing committee up! We hear all too many
identical, boring, repetitive auditions. The person who will get the
furthest is the one who executes perfectly AND interprets individually.

> I think preparing for an orchestral career requires a different focus and
> attitude than preparing to be a soloist. If you want to get an orchestral
> job, don't waste your time studying the complete symphonic works of
> Beethoven, Brahms, shostakovich et al and developing your own unique
> interpretation. Learn the excerpts thoroughly - yes this does involve
> studying the score and learning the context of the part, but this is not
> the same as what a soloist should do when studying scores and interpreting
> the whole work.

While this viewpoint is probably shared by many clarinetists, I want to
separate two issues.....1) it DOES require a different focus, but does NOT
require a different attitude - preparation is preparation. The person who
will ultimately get the job or the recording contract or the solo
performance with the big symphony orchestra is the one who worked the
hardest (and succeeded...can't forget that part)...attitude is everything!
2) It is not a waste of time to tack onto excerpt learning the extra time
it takes to develop a complete and interpretive understanding of the
symphonic works of the composers listed above. In fact, it would enhance
anybody's preparation for an orchestral career.

I think the idea of being in charge of interpeting a soloistic type work
as opposed to sharing the duties with a conductor is a valid point.....but
don't forget.....even in Sonatas, you have an equal in the piano part. In
fact, many pianists would argue that their's is the major part
(Brahms!!)...and they might be correct!

Roger Garrett