Klarinet Archive - Posting 000579.txt from 1997/12

From: richard macdowell <r.macdowell@-----.edu>
Subj: Re:morales et al
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 19:42:52 -0500

I'd like to add my $.02 to this discussion. I believe that any decision as
to which instrument to play in the Met orchestra has to be the
responsibility of the man on the podium. He's got to be aware of his
options, and considering his string section is not about to change to gut
strings, etc, etc, he probably endorsed or ordered Ricardo to play on his
"normal" onstrument. The Met has never been famous for using "authentic"
instruments and probably won't for some time (if at all). The most
disturbing thing about this bruhaha is that Mr. Leeson presents his OPINION
to be the gospel, and to lay what he regards as guilt for not agreeing with
him that this is unprofessional or at least uninformed behavior) at
Ricardo's door. Rather than using this incident to express his opinion
about what is acceptable performance why doesn't someone get in tioch with
Ricardo and find out what went on?