Klarinet Archive - Posting 001039.txt from 1998/07

From: <HatNYC62@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Leister
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 14:32:14 -0400

>>>As an example, although the repertoire is not French or German, rather

Scandanavian, is his recording of the Crusell Concertos for Clarinet.
Excellent

performances, yes. However, very legato and smooth, when compared to the

performances by Thea King on Hyperion. Thea King's performances have just
that

extra sparkle or whatever because of the crisper, sharper articulation and

phrasing.

I did

make the recommendation that Mark Bradley check out other available
recordings,

because I believe that there are others out there that are not better in terms
of

overall performance, but are better in terms of articualtion, attacks,
releases,

etc that give much more of a "French" feel.<<<

An interesting comment, as Leister in from the North of Germany, very close to
Scandinavia. I belive this record is with a Scandinavian orchesta too? Thus
you cannot be saying that Ms. King's style is 'more' Scandinavian? Perhaps you
are saying that you just like that recording better than Leister's, an opinion
to which you are entitled.

My point is/was: there is no right or more French way to play French music.
Several Germans have made it their specialty, like the pianist Gieseking.
What you can always count on from Leister is a smart approach to the music,
superb execution and great finesse. Knowing this alone puts an unheard disc of
his ahead of most on the market, including perhaps some French players.
Whether you feel his style of playing is approriate to the works in question
requires that you hear the recording, don't you think? I have heard many
performances by soloists, orchestras, etc. that were stylistically very
differend than what I was used to, but found extremely convincing in the end,
and have thus forced me to reevaluate my thoughs on the works in question.

As far as your comments on articulations and attacks. Leister has perhaps the
best articulation I have ever heard, and there is certainly nothing
particularly "German" about it.

David Hattner
free-lance clarinetist, NYC

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