Klarinet Archive - Posting 001295.txt from 2000/12

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: RE: [kl] technique vs. music
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 22:55:03 -0500

"Meanwhile, all this technique is merely a means, not an end in
itself. The end he strives for is something other than a perfectly
executed print. His aim is to depict dreams, ideas or problems in such a
way that other people can observe and consider them. The illusion that an
artist wishes to create is much more subjective and far more important
then the objective, physical means with which he tries to create it."

The above quote does not say that the end means and technique are not
mutual. It states that the the illusion [music] an artist wishes to create
is more subjective [and therefore] more important than the objective,
physical means (technique) used to create the [music]. This is all it says
- that, in philosophy, the end result is all that matters. It is a
philosophical statement that ignores (because it can) the fact that without
technique, the musical means (end result) is impossible - at least, in
terms of expression via a musical instrument. The nice thing about
philosophy is that it is fun to discuss. The problem with philosophy is
that it is a rare thing that it represents what human beings actually do in
life. Sometimes, while providing for that perfect idea, it misses the
human experience altogether. This is often something that people who argue
using philosophy fail to realize - and, sadly, they can't see anything
else. It is also an argument that cannot be won, for there is no great
musician who can demonstrate such musicianship without technical ability.

Neil - in reality, your argument is not dead but most certainly alive. The
fact that a philosophy (a very sound one) preaches the end result does not
make the position that achievement of a musical means as being dependent
upon technical ability any less credible or sound. Your point regarding
having a technical basis upon which to realize a musical end is not at all
contrary to the philosophy stated above in quotes, nor would any successful
teacher argue that it is. I do however, find it amusing that you continue
to defend a sound basis of musical learning. There is no need to do
so. There is not a famous teacher, past or present, who has not taught
technical pedagogy - many even focus upon it.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Assistant 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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