Klarinet Archive - Posting 000229.txt from 1998/12

From: dnaden <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Rossini
Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 02:05:30 -0500

Craig--

Caution here. Just because a piece is written as a "theme and variations," that
does not mean that as a style that is "less mature" than a three-movement
structured work.

If your point is that Rossini's Introduction, Theme and Variations is an earlier
work than some his later works, and thus more imature in his development as a
composer, that is different.

David S. Naden, MMus
Cal State University Los Angeles

Craig Earl Countryman wrote:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Victor Chen <clarinettist@-----.com>
> >Would it be safe to say that Rossini's Introduction, Theme, and Variations
> is
> >a show piece very much like many of Weber's works? Or is there more to the
> >piece than the obvious?
>
> I think the Theme and Variations format is less mature than a three movement
> structure. That's just my opinion. However, I think it can be argued that
> the Theme and Vars presents some challenges to the composer that the three
> movement does not. In Theme and Vars the composer has to keep coming up
> with new inventions on a simple theme, where other composers can use key
> changes and the like. Therefore, Rossini was much more constricted in the
> tools available to him then Weber or others who used three movements. This
> leads to the simpler structure his work has.
>
> However, I think the work is more than a show piece. Someone just tear
> through the piece playing it as fast as they want with no regard for
> dynamics or articulations and they'd definitely be displaying technical
> ability. However, I think there is opportunity to use the work not only as
> a showcase for presenting great technique, but also to show musicality.
>
> Rossini doesn't provide many dynamic markings in the variations, and this is
> an excellent opportunity for the performer to use his interpretive skills to
> add something to the performance. Also, there are some variations you could
> make with the tempo, perhaps some ritards and accelerandos in appropriate
> places. Rossini leaves much open which gives the performer some room to
> shine musically.
>
> Ultimately, this piece is meant for the soloist to show off, but a superior
> performance calls for the performer to show off not only technical might but
> sensitivity and musicality (especially in the Minore).
>
> ----------------------------------------------
> Craig Earl Countryman
> cegc@-----.net
> http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
> http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711/
> ----------------------------------------------
>
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