Klarinet Archive - Posting 000918.txt from 1997/10

From: "Andrew Scholberg" <ascholbe@-----.com>
Subj: Re: The Revelli experience: an assessment
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 16:05:41 -0400

Younger musicians may never get an opportunity to play under an "old
school" iron-fisted conductor who uses the tyrannical approach. Having
played under the legendary Revelli, I deeply appreciate the experience,
although I have some mixed feelings about it.

At times Revelli went a trifle too far in harshness, bordering on
uncharity if not crossing the line, but behind that tough, stern facade was
a kind and sensitive man with a good heart. Of course, his ear and his
musicianship were in a class by themselves.

Playing under Revelli was an allegory for going through life, and perhaps
Revelli consciously intended the experience to be just such an allegory.
Revelli was tough, but if you were tough on yourself, Revelli would be
infinitely easier on you. The same has been said of life: it's tough, but
if you're tough on yourself, life will be much easier on you.

Revelli was a magnificent musician, and he got the results that he wanted,
but his approach isn't the only approach and may not be the best one.
Revelli was who he was. His approach was the only one he knew, and it
worked for him.

I came across a worthwhile quote by another legendary baton-wielder,
Lawrence Welk. (I know Welk has been belittled on this list, but he was a
master showman, a super successful band-leader of dance music, and a fine
human being.) Welk sought to apply the Golden Rule in all his relationships
with others. Here's what he said:

"As a product of a German household in a German-speaking community, I came
under the influence of the well-known strong German parental authority and
iron-fisted discipline. While I found this influence distasteful and at
times rebelled against it, I nevertheless inherited a goodly share of this
national characteristic.

"I am well aware that discipline is vital to ... life in general. Still, I
believe it is better administered when the iron fist is encased in a velvet
glove.

"It has been a lifelong struggle for me to adjust to this idea, but I find
life much more pleasant when I am able to do so.

"It is much more the test of a man to be friendly, kindly, considerate,
and courteous than it is to throw around among people the weight of his
superior self."

Andy Scholberg
ascholbe@-----.com