Klarinet Archive - Posting 000264.txt from 1997/11

From: Kenneth M Caputo <kcaputo1@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Morales recital
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 16:39:04 -0500

AMEN TO THAT FRANK
KENOn Thu, 6 Nov 1997, Frank Garcia wrote:

> I think that with all of this personal poop-flinging, we've lost track of
> the point of this discussion.
>
> I have read (but not saved) all of this discussion, so forgive me if my
> memory is slightly in error. Mr. Sheim stated that he felt that some tempi
> in this recital were too fast, a point which I can understand after having
> heard Morales much of the same rep. at the ClarinetFest this year.
>
> To me, personally, this was not an entirely subjective observation,
> although it was written subjectively. One must realize as both an
> interpreter and performer of music that we must be able to clearly convey
> the intent of the composer to an audience. If the music flies by too
> quickly, the listener does not have the opportunity to "take in" the
> content of the music. It is my belief that this is at the root of Mr.
> Sheim's complaint. "Being able" to play fast is not an excuse to play
> everything faster than everyone else. We must have musical intent behind us
> as motivation for the choice of such a tempo. Personally, I can play
> Weber's Grand Duo as fast as Morales, but choose not to for the above
> reason.
>
> If Morales devoted considerable thought and chose fast tempos for the last
> movement of the Saint Saens for musical reasons instead of showmanship
> reasons (which he did not play at the ClarFest, so I have not heard his
> interpretation of the Saint Saens), then we must try to understand
> another's interpretation, and either accept it or reject it.
>
> But I do think that we should not judge any one musician too harshly based
> on his/her interpretation of one piece.
>
> Morales has a wonderful sound and possesses total command of his
> instrument. I don't agree with all of his musical decisions, but who really
> gives a damn. I wish I had the consistant control he does so that my
> musical decisions could come of of my axe with his clarity and precision.
>
> Frank
>
>
>