Klarinet Archive - Posting 001135.txt from 2000/06

From: mus_ldj@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Good/bad music
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 02:05:51 -0400

The 1812 Overture has way too many runs in it for clarinet.

"John W. Sheridan" wrote:

> Being that I kinda started this thread with my question about despised
> music, I guess I should throw my offering into the hat.
> I would mention that there appears to be some difference in music one
> performs and music one enjoys listenting to - which I really didn't expect,
> I suppose because not having performed in orchestral groups I never gave
> thought to what sounds beautiful might be difficult, boring or otherwise
> unpleasant to play. (I should have remembered as a band person, the numerous
> times I played "1812 Overture" and how a genuine appreciation grew gradually
> into a total dislike of the music to the point I don't even enjoy listening
> to it any more).
>
> For me, good music comes from the heart or soul of the composer - an
> outflowing of sound and emotion that carries me with it. I simply can't
> abide a great deal of "modern" music - created and based on either
> theoritical principals, or just because "it ain't been done before". Simply
> put - if I can't walk away with a theme, or expression in my mind - it ain't
> music.
> Years ago, an art contest was won by a painting done by a chimpanze in a
> zoo - when it was revealed what the source of the painting was, critics were
> embarassed and outraged that they had been duped, along with a host of
> ignorant individuals who took the lead of those in the know as gospel. I
> think today it would be quite possible for an individual to create a musical
> piece, using a chimp and computer and present something that might very
> easily gain recognition throughout the music field.
>
> Maybe I'm living in the past, but it seems that we have crossed a "border"
> that has left behind talent, skill and perhaps even genius to embrace
> nominal, mundane and uninspired efforts that the masses are being led to
> accept as good music. I have to wonder if future listeners will miss out on
> the opportunity to shed a tear to the Love/Death theme from Wagner's Tristan
> & Isodel, feel the stiring cadence of the Triumphant march from Aida, or
> create the rich fantasies of youth evoked by Peter & the wolf, Hansel &
> Gretel, or visual images of Scheherazade. I don't believe the musical
> legacy we're generating today comes anywhere near the giants of the past.
> OK - I expect I'll be challenged or blasted into orbit for this, but this
> is how I feel.
> Applying fire retardant to computer screen!
>
> John
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> 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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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