Klarinet Archive - Posting 001063.txt from 1998/10

From: GTGallant@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Weber Concerto # 2 Recordings
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 11:55:53 -0500

In a message dated 98-10-25 09:56:36 EST, you write:

<< Charles Neidich's old instrument performance is technically amazing.
Certainly he does exactly what he sets out to do, but at least for me he
does far too much simply because he *can* do it, and not because the music
requires it, or even permits it. >>

Charles Neidich did not play the Weber concertos on period instruments
(disregard if I understood your post wrong). I disagree with your questioning
of the required/not required statement. Performers of that era were expected
to add virtuoso touches to the music. Why else would they be called
showpieces? Heinrich Baerman added a half-page cadenza in the first concerto
and was expected to embellish the piece. I have read that Weber - who
respected Baerman's composing skills - wrote such a plain score as to even
leave out accidentals! He expected Baerman to adjust the work for himself. I
do agree that Neidich goes crazy sometimes with his amazing technique, but for
me, the Weber cocertos were perfectly executed.

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