Klarinet Archive - Posting 000384.txt from 1998/07

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Unusual Clarinet CD's
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:34:03 -0400

Dear Klarinetters,

One of the wonderful perks that goes along with this unusual world of
mouthpiece making is the many presents of CD's I receive from clarinetists
who play my mouthpieces or who are just interested in letting me hear how
they sound. I will try to go through my collection in the next few weeks
and give information on content and label info.

My most recent aquisition and gem was given to me at the Clarinet
Conference via a Mexican clarinetist, Luis Obregon. The recording is the
music of Mexican composer Manuel Maria Ponce. Ponce, apparently was a very
important figure in Mexican classical music. He was born in 1882 and died
in 1948. He was a pianist and composer and studied at various times in
Europe. One of his teachers was Paul Dukas.

The recording features the clarinet playing of LUIS HUMBERTO RAMOS
and the singing of AIDA MARTINEZ. Luis Humberto is the director of
"Cameristas de Mexico" which is the group featured on this recording. Most
of the compositions are for string quartet, clarinet, flute and
occasionally piano. Aida Martinez sings about half of the compositions.
In a letter that accompanied the CD, Luis Humberto called this light
classical Mexican music. The sound of the instrumental works to me is very
much reminiscent of music from the late romantic period of French music
(Taffanel?). One can well imagine that much of this music may have been
suitable for soirees or intimate gatherings. For my ears, the most
wonderful music comes in the songs. The singing of Aida Martinez is
absolutley stunning. I play a lot of Opera and am interested very much in
the voice. Ms. Martinez has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever
heard! Beautiful control, immaculate intonation and a captivating
expressiveness.

THEN... As one listens through the 16 pieces one begins to listen
more closely to the instrumentalists. Luis Humberto is an artist of the
highest order. He has a beautiful sound, fluid technique, stunning
articulation and is extremely sensitive. It is no wonder that the overall
ensemble playing is so fine with Mr. Ramos as it's Musical Director. Luis
Humberto is one of the busiest teachers in Mexico City. He has played with
every major orchestra in Mexico City, but now he prefers to teach and
organize his own concerts. Apparently he draws all of the best students. I
met him at the clarinet conference in Cincinnatti via my good friend Luis
Rossi. Mr. Ramos has on occasion played one of my mouthpieces, but he is
currently playing a Gennusa and I believe that is the mouthpiece he used
for this recording.

The recording is called "Romantcismo Mexicano". It was released by
EURAM RECORDS 1998 .

There are 16 short pieces and it would be very possible to make a
collection of 3 or 4 to present on a recital. I have no idea how one would
obtain the music, but i will be in contact with Mr Ramos soon and try to
find out. It is also possible that I may be able to import a few copies of
this CD and sell it to those interested. This is truly a wonderful addition
to the repertoire. Perhaps we can persuade Mr. Ramos to come to the next
Clarinet Conference in the States.

Clark W Fobes

Clark W Fobes
Web Page http://www.sneezy.org/clark_fobes

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