Klarinet Archive - Posting 000919.txt from 1999/12

From: Sfdr@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] top 10 clarinet players(Hans Moennig's Choice)
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 01:44:26 -0500

Dear List,
As this century comes to an end I would like to share with you an excerpt
from an interview with my repair teacher, W. Hans Moennig. This interview
was one of many that I made with him in order to document the History of
Great Clarinetists and their instruments.

Philadelphia, PA May 1986

A.S. Mr. Moennig, I consider you to be the golden thread which has run
between almost every major orchestral clarinetist of the 20th Century.
During your musical career, you have seen and worked with them all, from
McGinnis to McLane to Marcellus. Your experience and personal knowledge of
the clarinet provides a window to the past that we may all benefit from.
Considering your immense knowledge of mouthpieces, acoustics, instruments and
playing styles, you are certainly qualified to provide us with and overview
of Great Clarinet playing. During your repair career which started in 1923,
you have had lots of time to develop an appreciation for clarinet excellence.
In your opinion, who is the greatest clarinetist of all?

Hans Moennig: Well Alvin, you would put me on the spot like this. It is
really hard to say. I really like the way that Ralph McLane was able to
phrase the music. David Weber's technique and tonguing was outstanding.
Stanley Hasties(spelling?) and Mitchell Lurie would certainly be at the top
of the list. But of all the great players that I have heard in my life, I
would say that Harold Wright and Robert Marcellus are my favorites. Harold's
tone was just a little sweeter than Bob's tone. However Marcellus had a much
larger sound than Wright. It would be an honor for any conductor to have
either one of them in his orchestra.

A.S. Who would you say is the greatest oboist to ever live?

H.M. Well Alvin we will have to save that question for another day as it is
now time for me to smoke my pipe. Maybe when I get old I can tell you about
William Kincaid and Marcel Tabuteau.

By the was Mr. Moennig was 83 at the time.

Just wanted to share that with you
all,
Alvin Swiney
Affordable Music Co.
P.O.Box 4245
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-412-2160 fax 412-2158
website www.corkpad.com

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