Klarinet Archive - Posting 000455.txt from 1998/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: Woodwind
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 11:32:21 -0500

On Sat, 7 Mar 1998, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:
> The two sides are these: older clarinets develop problems that cause
> the instrument to play less well over time. It is impossible to
> predict when this will happen but 10 years is an estimated average.
> When it happens, throw out your clarinet (or sell it to someone stupid)
> and buy a new one. Then you'll sound like a king again.
>
> Other side: crapulosum!! The entire phenomenon of clarinet deterioration
> is both untrue and absurd. Clarinets do not wear out and they don't
> get blown out, either. What scientific evidence supports such an
> absurd theory? What is the technical basis for assuming that it
> exists?
>
> Now go read and learn. Then come back and let us know which side you
> have decided you want to be on. Having made this decision, the other
> side will then find where you live and kill you.

One of my all time favorite radio shows is "Car Talk" with "Click and
Clack", that Tappit brothers. I remember when I first heard this show, I
remarked to my lovely wife, these guys sound just like Dan Leeson!!! (I
had the rare fortune of being in an ensemble that Dr. Leeson -
oops....used the dreaded "Dr" sign - was coaching on the Gran Partitta).
He was amusing, quck witted and definitely a formidable opponent in the
area of arguing about performance practice as it applies to
Mozart......or anything else for that matter........but talk about
generous......he personally loaned me a first generation copy of the
manuscripts of the Wind Serenades, Eb and C# minor, for a couple of hours
(ok, I admit it, I copied them!). At any rate, every time I read a
posting like above, I chortle and laugh - pretty soon the whole house is
shaking.......this kind of thing happens when one is overweight and
laughs. Anyway......has anyone else noticed this about Dan??

Roger Garrett
IWU