Klarinet Archive - Posting 000586.txt from 1997/12

From: Birch <birch@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: morales et al
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 19:42:59 -0500

Okay, here's my $0.02:

I come more from a jazz perspective, which was the fist style of popular
music that was affected by audio recording. My view of a performance is
that it should be as enjoyable for the audience as possible.

I, unfortunately, have to accept that I will never ever hear Mozart's
clarinet concerto (for example) exactly as Mozart wanted it to be
played, simply because there is no audio record that dates back that
far, and because Mozart is now dead. Knowing that I can't play exactly
as he wanted it, I must take some liberties and play it exactly as I
want it, as I think it would sound best, and as I think the audience
would most appreciate it.

The sheet music is the framework for the performance, but the
performance itself is the performer's. If the performer thinks that the
peice would sound better if played on a Bb than on an A, than it is well
within his rights to take that liberty.

Mozart was an amazing composer, but he, like everyone else, wasn't
perfect. His music can be improved upon, and this improvement should
not nessecarily be prevented simply for the sake of authenticity,
especially considering that true authenticity can never be obtained.

On the other hand, maybe I'm just full of shit.

--Birch