Klarinet Archive - Posting 000246.txt from 1999/10

From: dnaden <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Funny Nielsen recording
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 1999 12:30:24 -0400

Here we go again with GT's constant negative posts, and again bashing one of
the century's finest clarinet players.

First, about ego: Mr. Goodman--as we all know--commissioned numerous new
works, and the clarinet repertoire is that much more extensive because of
those commissions. To my knowledge--based on what I've read and heard--he
did not have the ego alluded to. Most composers who receive works dedicate
those works to the person who commissioned them.

Second, about technique and musicianship: Most high school musicians and
college freshman may have the technique that Goodman, but certainly NOT the
muscianship or the experience. However, that comparison is negated by the
fact that today (in the 90s), there are more teachers and good players than
there were when Benny was in his prime.

Third, you may not like Goodman's recordings, and everyone is entitled to
their opinion. But...GT when are you going to grow up and show some tact.
Often it's not what is said, but how it's said. You are arrogant,
condenscending and outright rude! What are your credentials? Where have you
played? What have you recorded? You may not like the recordings, but until
you can prove that you can do better, you are very thin ice, and do nothing
more than alienate some of us on this list--and that includes me. Again,
it's NOT what is said, it's HOW it's said.

David S. Naden, MMus
Cal State University Los Angeles

gtg wrote:

> <<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! :)
>
> =====
>
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com
>
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