Klarinet Archive - Posting 000191.txt from 1998/07

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Bert Amten and performance practice
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 08:53:07 -0400

I read Bert's comments with a great deal of interest. And in the
final analysis, his point (being that there are elements of
performance practice that we cannot possibly achieve, such as opera
house size) is correct.

I think I recognize the problem, too. And whenever I want to give
this view of performance practice, I use the castrato as an
example of a practice where nothing on earth will allow its
reinstatement; i.e., the castration of pre-pubescent boys so as
to permit the continuation of their high voices even after
physical maturity.

But because one cannot achieve all of the circumstances of 18th
century performance does not mean that we are, therefore, doomed
to achieve any of them. You do the best you can in an imperfect
world, and those that cannot be achieved, either because we don't
know how something was done or else because it cannot physically
be achieved in today's world, simply go by the wayside.

You do the best you can.

Nice posting Bert!! I wish I lived near Drottningham. Was that
not the theatre used in the production of Magic Flute about
20 years or more ago? Wonderful movie.

=======================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
=======================================

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