Klarinet Archive - Posting 000889.txt from 2000/08

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Bernstein's Bernstein
Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 21:36:44 -0400

At 12:28 AM 08/28/2000 +0100, you wrote:
Dan Leeson wrote (in jest but without any corroborating evidence to support):
>> That's because Carreras couldn't get the rhythms right!!

Tony Pay responded:
>So, perhaps my deduction from the video of the recording, that
>Bernstein, at that moment, agreed with me that Carreras didn't have an
>acceptable style for West Side Story, was mistaken.
>
>(Perhaps he agreed with me at the time, but changed his mind
>afterwards.)

I don't see any evidence to support this fact other than Dan Leeson's
comment. Are you basing what you say above on Dan's comment? Your
speculation is appreciated - it might even be on target as far as the
general layman might go, but it is not substantiated in any credible way.
In fact, it is borne out by Bernstein's comments.

>However, I still maintain that Carreras *didn't*, and *doesn't*, have an
>acceptable style for West Side Story.

You may maintain whatever you believe. It is your right to have an opinion
- and I am very interested in your thoughts about the recording.

>And that's regardless of what 'Bernstein', then or later, thought.

And you may refute the actual words of the composer if you like. Again,
this is your right. I am always interested in your postings as they relate
to music.

>Notice how assessments 'from authority', as opposed to arguments,
>pervade your judgements.

I guess I don't agree with you on this Tony. My judgements are based on a
discussion with the composer of the works after the recording session was
complete. I am reporting only what the composer told me - specifically.

I think I understand why you feel the way you do, and you are certainly
free to state whatever you like regarding your opinion. I just wish you
would not make assumptions about my judgement when I have not given a
judgement - I have only reported factual events as they occurred.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Advisor, IWU Recording Services
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
(309) 556-3268

A Clarinetist's Revenge is sometimes personified by the following excerpt
from the London Daily News, circa 1926:

"The saxophone is a long metal instrument bent at both ends. It is alleged
to be musical. As regards markings, the creature has a series of tiny taps
stuck upon it, apparently at random. These taps are very sensitive: when
touched they cause the instrument to utter miserable sounds suggesting
untold agony. Sometimes it bursts into tears. At either end there is a
hole. People, sometimes for no reason at all, blow down the small end of
the saxophone which then shrieks and moans."

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