Klarinet Archive - Posting 000363.txt from 2000/05

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Michael Lowenstern (was: [kl] Hi)
Date: Sat, 6 May 2000 18:37:33 -0400

In a message dated 5/6/00 4:15:23 PM, klarinet-digest-help@-----.org writes:

<< Yes, it's New World Records 80468-2. I agree that it's a phenomenal CD,
but
the liner notes make clear that it's an astonishing feat by Lowenstern the
recording engineer, along with the other four recording engineers, as much as
by Lowenstern the bass clarinet player. I don't mean to take anything away
from Lowenstern's playing, which is superb and goes way beyond typical bass
clarinet technique. He explores the possibilities of sounds the instrument
can make, instead of sticking with the mundane. However, this is a very
heavily engineered recording of bass clarinet sounds layered onto many tracks
and manipulated electronically. I think the CD is well worth buying, just
for the gosh-wow factor, but IMHO, clarinet students in typical home or
school practice environments (without the studio resources) will find only
limited *practical* inspiration about bass clarinet playing from what
Lowenstern does here.
>>

If I might step to the defense of my good friend, pretty much all of the
pieces on this cd can be performed live. Michael has performed them all live
and does so with as much intensity and damn near as much accuracy as on the
cd. Actually, he probably doesn't play any of the pieces on the cd any more,
as he has written and commissioned new ones (he wants to make another cd, I
believe).

Those who were present at the Chicago ICA and heard Lowenstern live can tell
you that he can do all of the stuff on there and much more. His orchestral
playing is absolutely outstanding, and he is a superb soprano clarinetist as
well.

The bass clarinet as it is presented in orchestral music is not much use as a
solo instrument. Michael's use of extended techniques and other sound
manipulations are a compelling voice on the instrument. His music and
performances are not intended for the clarinetist anyway, but for those open
to new experiences.

-David Hattner, NYC

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