Klarinet Archive - Posting 000445.txt from 1998/10

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] WW Playing
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 15:15:13 -0400

>>But I would still say that the 2341 idea, which I take to be the notion that
phrases *go somewhere* on the lowest level (you'll have to read my article to
understand what I mean by the lowest level) *considered as a possible
stylistic rule of classical music*, has very grave defects, quite apart from
the fact that all the historical evidence is against it. Not the least of
these defects is that when this rule is applied to the music by all the
members of an ensemble, it renders the individual lines of a piece of
classical music much less individually audible. This subverts the full
expression of classical music.<<

I agree completely with what you say. As you know, Tabuteau was from an era
far less concerned with stylistic 'correctness' than we claim to be today.
This freedom was encouraged by the conductor, Stokowski, and practiced by
other members (and sections) of the orchestra. That is why the
Stokowski/Philly recordings remain in print today; they are great examples of
the age of individualism applied to an entire orchestra. The results were
spectacular, and audiences were seduced (even if critics always found
something to complain about. . .they always do).

David Hattner, NYC

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