Klarinet Archive - Posting 000352.txt from 1998/02

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: Cadenza books....
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 21:40:14 -0500

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.42
> Subj: Cadenza books....

> Elizabeth wrote about "Cadenza books". After I had deleted her message,
> I remembered finding a book recently with clarinet cadenzas. (I only
> found it because I am cleaning out closets to I can sell my house &
> build another one). I doubt that she can find a copy. It it titled
> FAMOUS CLARINET CADENZAS, selected by Walter C. Schad, from the world's
> most famous MASTERPIECES. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in 1928.
>
> No, I didn't buy it in 1928. I'm in my 40's & probably ran across this
> book in the sixties or seventies when I was playing lots. It cost a
> whopping $1.25!

The suggestions below are marvellous!!! And the application of
all of these principles to all cadenzas irrespective of epoch
is a very romantic notion.

>
> The PREFACE page has some interesting tips:
>
> 1) Don't be in a Hurry.
>
> 2) Don't get the first and last Note only. There is something in
> between.
>
> 3) Start all Trills slowly and increase the volume and speed gradually.
>
This one (#3) is the worst advice than can be given to cadenzas
from ca. 1750 to ca. 1850 (which is a lot of territory) but is
very applicable to, say, a Brahms cadenza. And it is illustrative
of how eras crossed over. Since Brahms wrote several cadenzas for
Mozart piano concerti (K. 491 for example), it was not uncommon
(and still is not) to play Brahms/Mozart cadenzas in a Brahms and
not a Mozart style.

> 4) Start a Cadenza with a good, solid and decisive attack. This is very
> essential. It will clearly indicate to the public and conductor that you
> have a great deal of confidence in your ability to perfectly perform as
> a Soloist.

And what, may I ask, has the soloist been doing up to this point in
the compositions? Has s/he been starting non cadenza material
with a bad, mushy, indecisive attack?

>
> 5) Don't look for the Notes in the same fashion as trying to find
> something in a dark room.
>
Well this one is damn good advice.

> There are several cadenzas included by composers I've never heard of.
>
> You might also check the "Cadenza Study" on page 44 of the Langenus book
> number three.
>
=======================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
=======================================