Klarinet Archive - Posting 000477.txt from 2001/01

From: alevin@-----. Levin)
Subj: Re: [kl] Composer vs. performer
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 16:31:51 -0500

This distinction has appeared only in the last 250 years. Before that, it
was rare for a composer to write something he could not sing or play. From
Machaut to Monteverdi, mopst composers played what they wrote. The growth
of ensembles and the skill required to sing many parts and to play most
instruments was too much for all but the most unusual composer/performer.

Bach could play much of what he wrote (though I've never heard that he
could play the brass or oboe parts). Mozart and Beethoven could play
keyboard and string parts - but not the woodwind or brass parts. Berlioz
only played flute and guitar, and Wagner (I think) only keyboard. One
argument for electronic music was/is that it has allowed the composer to
perform all (or most) of the music.
>

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