Klarinet Archive - Posting 000679.txt from 2000/12

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Jazz artistic achievement [was, Peplowski continued]
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 20:36:43 -0500

At 11:01 PM 12/12/2000 +0000, you wrote:
>I did say that jazz was *initially* based on chord changes, but also on
>other things, and then developed into something else.

Jazz was not a result of music based on chord changes. It came from a
cultural experience that involved much more than chord changes.

>I think that playing music of whatever sort is something to do with
>trusting bits of yourself that aren't conscious, whilst managing them, so
>that they don't take over entirely.

This is a nice thing, but it has nothing to do with the level of artistry
associated with improvising over a musical structure - and creating a level
of expression equal to that of the Ring. There is no question that Wagner
did not create the Ring cycle in a week, a day, a week, etc........ To
compare a second by second improvisational ability and resulting work in
the same light is like comparing Red with Purple. The musician who creates
on the spot - as many who have mentioned in this thread did - is absolutely
equal with Wagner in many ways.

>All I wanted to say is that even if *I* am less than John Coltrane,
>youcould argue that a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, in which
>I am an important part, is probably more, and certainly no less, than any
>track Coltrane produced with his colleagues.

Compositionally or creatively? They aren't the same thing. John Coltrane
could be viewed as an equal to Beethoven in many ways - and Beethoven could
be viewed as lesser in many ways. But, as with all creatively inspired
things, it is often best not to say, "this is better because........." It
is simply different and requires a different musical and aesthetic
approach. It also requires an understanding that is far deeper than a
simple appreciation that another musical genre exists.

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Advisor, IWU Recording Services
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

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