Klarinet Archive - Posting 000051.txt from 2000/12

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mahler 4 & Beetoven Violin Concerto
Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2000 20:13:16 -0500

Walter, I do not assert that the following statement is true in your
case, though it may be, only that the most common reason given for not
using a C clarinet is that it would be out of tune because of the
circumstance you gave. But I perceive this simply as looking hard for
some reason to justify doing something that should not be done.

I played the Beethoven violin concerto many times and always used a C
clarinet. The problems you speak of are, in my opinion, very much
exaggerated. I often kept the C under my arm and jacket so that it
stayed warm. Or else, whenever I had a rest in the first movement (and
God knows there are plenty of them in that piece), I blew into it and it
stayed warm. People who use the A do so because they don't want to use
a C for any of a dozen reasons including the fact that they don't have
one.

In general, people will find a rational reasons for doing anything, and
the business of to-avoid-the-cold-clarinet-problem is an old, tired, and
worn-out reason for not doing what the composer requested. That chicken
will no longer fly. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy because even if
the instrument is kept warm, the reaction will be that "it's cold and
out of tune and that is why I will use the A."

To which I say, with a happy smile, HORSE HOCKEY!

GrabnerWG@-----.com wrote:
>
> Leeson says: <We might not agree on the subject, and I respect your right to have your own views on these things, but for anyone on the list who thinks that your point is universally accepted by all clarinetists
> should understand that there is at least one who thinks it to be a perspective that diminishes the music at the expense of ease to the clarinetist.>>
>
> Dan, I figured I would get a reply on this from you on this, and I respect your opinion very much.
>
> In terms of diminishing the music, however, playing that lovely solo in the second movement of the Beethoven on a cold C clarinet, is inviting disaster!
>
> In most performance circumstances, there would hardly be a second to blow some warm air into the C clarinet.
>
> Anyway, I just gave this as an example of what can be done. Maybe next time I play this, I'll do it on a "C" clarinet.
>
> Walter
>
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--
***************************
** Dan Leeson **
** leeson0@-----.net **
***************************

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