Klarinet Archive - Posting 000710.txt from 1998/07

From: Craig Earl Countryman <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] CLARINET: The Best of Everything
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 23:41:45 -0400

1.) I think along with the two method books you mentioned, the Klosé method is
right up there. In fact, I think a strong case could be made that it is one
of the best, especially now that you can get Parts I and II in one combined
volume. That can take you all the way from being a beginner to developing into
quite a player.

2.) I don't have much knowledge in this area, but I love my Yamaha clarinet and
I think it is a great intermediate model!! All and all I would probably rate
Buffet to be the best professional. A strong argument can be made for LeBlanc
also, but I've played various models from both companies and I favor Buffet.

3.) Vandoren V-12s. I REALLY don't like Rico one bit. Even some of their
better brands just seem inferior to Vandoren and others. I just don't get
nearly as good a tone on Rico.

4.) This is a hard one. Personally, I like the Mozart, but it just isn't my
all-time favorite. I hope that statement doesn't strike some of you as a
cardinal sin. I think that the Weber Concerto #2's slow movement beats out the
Mozart Adagio. It just has a kind of operatic quality that really makes very
deep and dramatic. Mozart's is certainly a brilliant work, but I just don't
like it as much -- personal preference I guess. Overall, I really like the
Copland Concerto. It just really has a special place in my heart. In a way, it
is one of the first, American works for the clarinet (1950ish) and its unique
style is exciting and enjoyable.

Other categories, I don't know. I'm sure we could engage in days of debate on
favorite mouthpiece, performer, ligature, etc. I think it is best to stay
neutral on those debates though after what my comments about the Mozart are sure
to evoke :)

Eugene Chan wrote:

> I'm just wondering. What do you think would be the best in these categories:
> 1. Method Books (Baermann, Rubank, ...)
> 2. Best Clarinet (Yamaha, Buffet, Armstrong, ...)
> 3. Best Reed (Rico, Vandoran, Zonda, ...)
> 4. Best solo (Mozart Concerto kv. 622, ...)
> (other categories? go ahead!)
>

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Craig Earl Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711/
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