Klarinet Archive - Posting 000406.txt from 1998/01

From: GTGallant <GTGallant@-----.com>
Subj: Re: leister recording
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 13:54:58 -0500

In response and defense to all the negative comments regarding my post, I have
compiled some data and ideas to share with you. First, let me start by saying
I don't think I know it all. I'm only a student of the clarinet at this
point. I do have opinions, and sometimes make huge generalizations, but that
is the way I write (with grandiose sarcasm). Does one need to make recordings
to know what sounds good or bad? I think not. I like a certain type of
player and sound production, just as many of you do. However, I hae trouble
believing one could protect professional level "music" that was obviously
inferior (technique, tone, unexpressive) and pass it off as stylistic. I'm
not a music historian, but I think I know what the periods of music
expected/required - Classical, Romantic, etc.

I had the displeasure of listening to Leister's Spohr recording last night,
which I found at the local university library. Just as expected, boring! A
little while ago, I was in a masterclass with the great player Jonathan
Cohler. We did some orchestral exerpts and solo pieces. One of the exerpts
was Beethoven 6, and Mr. Cohler happened to have a recording. The clarinet
was totally off and not with the orchestra. Also, none of the marked dynamics
were played. After we listened, he made us try and guess who the clarinetist
was, mentioning that the individual was very famous and considered great.
Karl Leister! Just because someone plays in an orchestra and clarinet for 30
or so years, does that make them great? I know plenty of people who have been
playing clarinet for over 15 or more years and still don't get it. I am a
natual skeptic and challenge what others tell me is the truth or "the right
way". I search for answers on my own and let the ears do the deciding for me.
Do not get emotional, these are only my opinions and mean nothing.

I was going to provide a list of players I admire along with reasons, but I
feel it would be a waste of space. Everybody has their own opinions of what
is good, and that's ok. I hope people use their ears and open minds (like
myself) to judge and not on what somebody else told them.