Klarinet Archive - Posting 000784.txt from 2000/11

From: StephanieDavis99@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Interpreting versus playing
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2000 03:19:55 -0500

> on 11/19/00 6:15 AM, Tony Pay wrote:
>
> >What do you think he means by the difference between 'playing' a piece
> >and 'interpreting' it?
> >
> >It's a delicate but interesting subject. Stravinsky, one of the most
> >magical twentieth century composers, famously said that he didn't want
> >anyone to 'interpret' his music. What do you think *he* meant?

As a humble beginner on the clarinet, I won't try to define Stravinsky's
meaning. However, as a published freelance writer, former editor of a local
magazine, and author of a mystery novel I'm trying to market, I can answer
this from a creative point of view.

When I create a piece of prose, I want people to interpret it the way I see
it. I have a brother and a good friend who are actors and who feel that a
playwright's words are theirs to interpret as they wish (exactly the way a
musician interprets a composer's piece), something that I would take great
umbrage to if I were a playwright or screenwriter. I don't want somebody
else trying to put their own meaning to my words.

Yet as someone who finds great meaning in music, I (putting it
simplistically) apply my own feelings to the piece and interpret it
accordingly without much thought as to whether it's the author's original
intent. I get the most out of music when I can attach my own feelings to it.

Therefore, I can see both sides of the coin. Should a piece of art only be
perceived exactly as the artist intended? Or should it be interpreted with
deep individual feeling, even if that feeling isn't quite what the author had
envisioned? I sheepishly and selfishly admit that I want people to interpret
my creations exactly the way I would. However, I can't say for sure that my
feelings are necessarily correct.

Stephanie Davis

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