Klarinet Archive - Posting 000271.txt from 1999/10

From: gtg <gtgallant@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Funny Nielsen recording
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 10:45:54 -0400

<<But that has nothing to do with technique. When
playing in his own
idiom,
he was unmatched!>>

I never said jazz technique. His classical playing is
what I was referring to. I've seen the many posts on
this subject and I still cannot believe how people
refuse to admit his abundant classical shortcomings.
Who cares if he was a jazz great (which he was), his
classical playing was not good. Good is relative to
the context/situation one is playing in. Goodman
decided to take on the role of a professional
classical recording artist and performer. Therefore,
he deserves to be compared to pro classical players.
If he had just been playing classical music for
novelty and fun as an amateur does, then there would
be no argument or discussion on this issue.

In conclusion, I have compiled a brief list of
statements to clarify my point, since so many of you
misread and assumed the wrong ideas.

1.) Benny was a technical and musical JAZZ master

2.) "legit" refers to a classical style of playing.
This term was used in Benny's time and may or may not
be derogatory. That is why it is in quotation marks.

3.) I failed to mention that Goodman had a lot of
money, along with clout, fame, etc.

4.) Benny's technical and musical level of CLASSICAL
clarinet playing, in my opinion, was/is current
college freshman level.

5.) It doesn't matter if he tried hard, had too much
pride, or ego. His CLASSICAL recordings are NOT GOOD
when compared to ANY PROFESSIONAL CLASSICAL recording
artist.

6.) Benny assumed the role of CLASSICAL recording
artist by playing, recording, and distributing
recordings.

7.) I've read nearly all Goodman related books and
articles and I'm well aware of his thoughts and
concerns regarding classical music, Kell, double lip,
inadequacy, etc.

8.) Goodman KNEW his classical playing was not the
greatest, but still publicly recorded, perfomed, and
butchered very difficult music by great composers.

9.) Some lister mentioned Kell not being able to play
jazz like Goodman. True, but did he record multiple
records and perform publicly showcasing his supposed
"jazz talents"?

10.) It is MY OPINION that Benny couldn't play
"legit" and I find absolutely no value, novelty, or
worth in his CLASSICAL recordings.

BTW, I hope it is understood that CLASSICAL means
classical music and not jazz! :)

=====

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org