Klarinet Archive - Posting 000242.txt from 1999/10

From: gtg <gtgallant@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Funny Nielsen recording
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 1999 09:44:45 -0400

<<Our 20th Century literature would be so much the
poorer without Benny.>>

Absolutely, but... the point of my post was that
Goodman must have been so in love with himself, that
he thought his classical playing was
performable/recordable. Most high school and college
freshmen have better technique than Goodman did. I
highly doubt he felt "obliged" to record the many
works written for him. I will assume that Stravinsky,
Bartok, Milhaud, etc. were all aware of his technical
and musical shortcomings in "legit" music. Both
parties came out smelling like roses in the end.
Benny commissioned new works dedicated to him (ego
maniac), and the composers were heralded by John Q.
Public - i.e. more press.

Most clarinet players I know have at least some
admiration for the King of Swing, including myself.
But can one honestly say that his classical playing
and recordings were good, or even ok? I cannot even
listen to him playing the Nielsen anymore, because it
makes me feel embarrased to be alive. This may be one
of the first cd's I will throw in the rubbish - no
joke. After listening to it twice, I reneg on my
origional statement that the recording was valuable as
a "bad cd and/or how not to play" example. Benny's
legit playing was an insult to the great classical
players of the day, who did not have the fame, press,
and clout to elicit a commision from a great composer.
Even so, I'm sure they still al kissed Mr. Goodman's
behind! :)

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