Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 1998/07

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Mozart Concerto, KV 622
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 12:55:21 -0400

Mozart is no doubt a fine piece--perhaps the "best" in the clarinet canon.
I love it, too. It may not, however, be the best piece for your purposes.

It's not my first choice for a contest. For one thing, it's a hell of a lot
harder than you think--the voicings are very transparent, and there is zero
room for error. Like the Debussy Rhapsody, it's a *lot* harder than it
sounds. I'd rather play Nielsen!

In addition, no doubt your judge will know it from memory. You may be
downgraded simply because your interpretation is different from the one his
or her teacher pushed on them in college.

My vote--Poulenc. Nice piece, lies well, and (more imp't for contest) it
sounds harder than it is.

kjf

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Bradley [mailto:markb@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Mozart Concerto, KV 622

Hello to all...

I am hoping that for next year's solo evaluation I will be able to do a
level 6 piece, and I have been putting a lot of thought into my choice.

The level 6 solos that I have been looking at are Grand Duo Concertant
(Weber), Sonata (Poulenc), Sonata (Harvey), and Concert for Clarinet and
Orchestra/Piano, KV 622 (Mozart). My favorite by far of all of these
pieces is the Mozart Concerto. The first time I looked at this piece a
few months ago, I thought there was no way I would ever be able to
perform it for NYSSMA until at least my senior year, and didn't look at
it until about 3 weeks ago. During CYM I started to look through it and
lately I have been studying it much more, so now it seems like a very
plausible choice. The edition I have been looking at is the one edited
by Simeon Bellison. In the latest issue of the Clarinet, there just
happened to be that in-depth article about the Concerto, which is great
for me. I think I will purchase the G. Schirmer edition. I wanted
something that didn't have too many editorial markings (rules out the
Bellison). I also was not worried with the efforts to reconstruct the
original basset part, since the performance need not be the most
contemporary reconstruction. When I get more into the history of this
piece I may purchase one of the newer editions but at this point, I
don't need it. Also the G. Schirmer edition is very inexpensive.

I really love this piece and I think, given the amount of time I have,
that I could have the 2 movements necessary for a level 6 rating (I'll
have to check the manual) in time for the festival next May. Still,
I'll have to have someone listen to me critically so that I do not get
myself into a situation where this piece will not be ready.

I really find the history behind the Concerto interesting so if you
haven't already, read that article in The Clarinet. Now the purpose of
this message: What is your favorite edition of the Mozart Concerto KV
622 and why?

Well I will get back to practicing. Thanks for everyone's help and (or)
interest.
Mark

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