Klarinet Archive - Posting 000375.txt from 2001/05

From: Anna Benassi <acb@-----.is>
Subj: [kl] Henry Schuman
Date: Mon, 14 May 2001 05:44:23 -0400

I was saddened to hear that Henry Schuman had died at such a young age
- 69 doesn't seem like so much anymore. I had the privilege of
studying chamber music with him at Manhattan School of Music, and
though there were many colorful and gifted teachers there during my
short stay in the mid-80s, Henry stands out among them. He was
demanding, sometimes derisive, always artistic. I think I learned more
about making music from him than from anyone else there. He was
coaching our WW quintet one day, and we were playing Barber's Summer
Music. He politely asked the oboist if he could borrow his horn to
demonstrate what he was trying to get across to us, some point of
interpretation about that haunting 5/4 (if I remember correctly)
melody on the first page. And I have never heard it played better,
either before or since. He took those few notes and made them take
flight - managed to inject them with all the languid passion of the
Southern US in the summer heat - and I will never forget it. Always
regretted not having the guts to ask him to teach me. No matter if he
wasn't a clarinetist, his expertise easily crossed the boundaries
between instruments. He was a first-class musician.

Anne

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