Klarinet Archive - Posting 000623.txt from 1998/07

From: dqy@-----.com (David Yee)
Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart Concerto
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 20:50:04 -0400

As a veteran of NYSSMA auditions, Mark Bradley's post has caused me to
delurk and add my two cents to this discussion.
First, Mark, I commend you for thinking about an audition piece so far
ahead of time.
Second, I join with others in recommending against the Mozart concerto.
I would not be surprised if it is the most frequently chosen Level 6
piece, and it would be difficult to leave an impression on the
adjudicator for that reason. In addition, I believe that it would be
difficult for an adjudicator to judge favorably a performance of this
piece on a Bb clarinet rather than on an A clarinet. (I would not
preclude studying the Mozart concerto on your own. However, be
forewarned that, although technically easy, it requires musical maturity.
I wish I could remember the person who said, "The problem with Mozart's
Clarinet Concerto is that it is too easy for students and too difficult
for professionals." Can any Klarinetters identify this quote?)
Third, may I recommend at (non All-State) Level 6 Weber's Clarinet
Concerto No. 2 (any edition will do; Kalmus cat. no. K 03938 is, I feel,
good and inexpensive) or Poulenc's Clarinet Sonata. (I'm assuming that
the Level 6 selections have not changed from the Edition XXIII NYSSMA
Manual. I do not recommend Weber's Grand Duo Concertante since I feel
that it is much more effective when played with an accompanist;
therefore, I would "reserve" it for the All-State audition.)
Fourth, you do not mention what grade you will be going into nor what
level you last auditioned at. If, as you imply, you are also considering
Level 5 pieces, may I suggest Hindemith's Clarinet Sonata, Weber's
Variations, Op. 33, Weber's Clarinet Concertino, or Weber's Clarinet
Concerto No. 1. (Only the last piece had allowed you a choice of
editions. If more current information is important to you, I can try to
consult the current NYSSMA Manual Edition XXV.)
Best wishes!
Dave Yee

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