Klarinet Archive - Posting 000399.txt from 1998/01

From: James Sclater <Sclater@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Never underestimate the power of the Darkside -Reply
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 10:19:26 -0500

Ms. Eastwood wrote...
"Can you desribe the "eeeeeeeeeeee" sound in
more, um, precise terms? Or is that the sound of people screaming as they
flee in horror? Or perhaps it's related to the Reginald Kell bleating
sound? "

While Mr. Kell's sound may not be to everyone's taste, the remark seems a bit
extreme. Upon listening to many of Kell's recordings, especially the earlier
ones made in the UK, a listener with an open mind might hear a musician of the
highest order who had the guts to attempt to play with a level of expression
which hardly existed on the musical scene before him. He dared to put his
personal imprint on the music he played. It's true that many clarinetists in
the US didn't approve of his sound. The public for whom he played, however,
seemed less judgmental and gladly accepted his playing for what it was.

Kell made music come to life and had a very successful career doing so. The
level of control and technique which he mastered is something which continues
to inspire many.

A little knowledge about his playing is a dangerous thing!

James Sclater