Klarinet Archive - Posting 001134.txt from 2000/12

From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Julius Baker vs. Zoon
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 07:13:09 -0500

gtg, hello,
The remark "He`s still a beginner~, is and was a cheeky, cheeky, very
cheekily tongue in cheek remark aimed, (usually by the majority) always at a
person
who is exceptionally talented. I`m English, so our humours` may have taken
different directions, but apart from that, without being patronising, this
kind of humour/remark is
generally appreciated by possibly only an older generation of musician who
has already trodden the paths of success or failure. Those of us in klarinet
who have a few years tucked underneath our belts are guessing/assuming that
that you may be younger than we are, so let me reply to your mail to explain
that we "wrinklys" do not think that you have said anything wrong at all. I
don`t anyway. If there was any misinterpretation, then there was certainly
no disproportion. Please realise that we are all clarinet players, and that
other nationalities in here may not have come across American flutists. So
we are keen to learn of them, before we voice our comments, humorously or
otherwise. I can see that my remark may have offended a younger and devout
student, but I`ll wager that Mr Zoon himself would have
understood/appreciated my
humour, maybe not just before one of his concerts, but certainly in the bar
afterwards.

So - - -you are <not> ignorant. You do not possess "jackless" opinions. In
turn,
we are not ignorant fingerpointing, bandwaggon-joining blokes. And
continuing: you are not way out of your league in this list - you are but
<new>, and you have to get to know us, as we do you. Do NOT disappear to
lurk again. Stay in touch to voice your opinions. Do that intelligently and
we will have one more guy to speak to.

Finally, would you allow me to express how <I> feel about all our "finest"
instrumentalists. I don`t think any of the adjectives we apply - brilliant,
perfect technician, style, taste, musicianship, ears, flexibility etc are
suitable ones to apply to any of them. To me they are <only> human beings
who can play a nice tune nicely. I only enjoy their live concerts now. I do
not buy C.D.`s any longer because they have all been electronically
"perfected". I love to see and hear in person the "expert" experience
difficulty with his reeds, with broken strings, with missed and split notes,
even with musicianship. The guy is human, and I can only interact and
appreciate when that person demonstrates his human strengths <and>
weaknesses. I, in the end will have appreciated his efforts just as much had
they been only 2nd rate. Music and art are so strange. The criticisms of a
badly designed bridge would not spew forth anyway near as much manic
condemnation as what some critics apply to musicians performances. So I, in
my own philosophy cannot treat the "expert" instrumentalist as anything
other than a 9 to 5 worker, (I`m not a bridge designer by the way) Yes, they
have studied hard, and they deserve their rewards, but so have doctors,
instrument manufacturers, police, computer scientists. And <they> all make
mistakes. So Mr Baker and Mr Zoon should not, repeat not be placed upon
pedestals as "Gods". The era of Hollywood used to do that with it`s women
film stars - - - -
I say to all students who are just beginning to show signs of big talent,
don`t place <anyone> on a pedestal. Extract something of worth/value from
whoever you admire, then continue to work hard in your own quest for, not
perfect perfection, (because that way will bring lots and lots of anguish)
but a <competence>, and a level head, which will securely carry you thru`
your career.
Happy Holidays to you too gtg.
Tony W.

Sent: 20 December 2000 18:39
Subject: Re: [kl] Julius Baker vs. Zoon
----- Original Message -----
From: "gtg" <gtgallant@-----.com>

> <<He`s still a beginner isn`t he compared to Baker?>>
>
> I, like DH, wasn't going to reply to this gross, blown
> out of proportion, put words in my mouth,
> misinterpretation of my email I sent out about the
> great Julius Baker (who I happen to love, just not as
> much as Jaques Zoon). Zoon is considered by many to
> be the greatest flutist out there today. He's just
> from a differen't school of playing than Baker. I
> prefer his playing over the Baker syle. Baker
> beats(used to beat) him technically, but IMHO, not in
> the musical department. Please let me know if I ever
> said Baker sucked, or I didn't like him... or, great
> technique doesn't matter. I'm sure I didn't write
> anything between the lines. Maybe too much eggnog on
> your part!
>
> Zoon is hardly a beginner, sir. He's a musician's
> musician - like Baker was considered. He was asked to
> be the pricipal in Boston several years ago, filling a
> position that was open for 10 years. He recently was
> asked to be pricipal in the Berlin Philharmonic (since
> Pahud left) and may take the job. I love being told
> of my ignorance and "jackless" opinions by ignorant,
> fingerpointing, bandwaggon-joining blokes. Sorry for
> the trouble. I guess I'm way out of my league on this
> list, with all the amazingly talented, knowledgable,
> people on it. I will lurk again and keep my opinions
> to my self. :) Happy Holidays

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