Klarinet Archive - Posting 000022.txt from 1999/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Sabine Meyer's Stamitz
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 15:02:08 -0500

Steve Goldman wrote:

>> One can perform compositions from another era in two ways. One using the
>> knowledge we have of what was considered proper performance practice at the
>> time of composition (a HIP performance), the other using modern performance
>> practice. Both methods can result in musical performances (I prefer HIP but
>> that's a personal preference), or either can result in bad music if poorly
>> done. The Meyer performance is a hybrid, with a little of each type. IMHO
>> the result in this case is a very musical performance, although it may not
>> satisfy either purists or HIP haters. My feeling is that one can have a
>> musical performance without following all the HIP rules, although one must
>> understand that the result, while musical, may not conform to the composers
>> intentions. Others on the list have strongly disagreed with this. It really
>> is a matter of personal taste. Music is not a science with absolute rules,
>> even though we sometimes try to claim so.

Possible interpretation:

Then, a piece of music can be played, disregarding HIP for modern
performance practice and still be musical - by some standard.

Second possible interpretation:

A piece of music can be played, disregarding HIP for modern performance
practice and not be musical - by a specific standard.

The argument will be successful dependent upon the belief of the person
arguing - if they fall into category 1 or 2.

Dan Leeson and many fall into category 2 - do it the way it was intended or
you are not doing it - your taste has nothing to do with it - you are
playing someone else's creation - live with it - but don't call your
rendition of it, based on lack of knowledge, musical.

Steve proposes that music is not a single person's creation once it is
played by someone else - that changing the intent is perfectly fine given
"good taste". An analogy - if a person buys a piece of clothing and alters
the design in any way - say change the buttons or add a cuff - to conform
to styles of the day. Is it wrong? Is it lacking in "taste"? Does it
demonstrate lack of knowledge for previous styles? Does it show utter
disregard for the designer? My interpretation of what Steve has said is
that the answer would be no.

So - two diametrically opposed viewpoints - both with merit but speaking of
different issues entirely.

I love this list.

RG
______
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Concert Band/Symphonic Winds/Titan Band
Advisor, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
Office: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3411

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