Klarinet Archive - Posting 000062.txt from 2001/08

From: Rhea Jacobs <rhea-j@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] I'm baaack!
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001 19:35:21 -0400

Thanks, Roger!
You underestimate me -- I'm extremely fond of the Hindemith piece, and I enjoy
the others on your list which I've heard. Thanks especially for the recommendation
of other recordings of the Persichetti -- I'd like nothing better than to find the
same enjoyment in hearing this music that I had in playing it.

All the best,
Rhea Jacobs
rhea-j@-----.net

rgarrett@-----.edu wrote:

> At 08:40 AM 08/04/2001 -0500, you wrote:
> >On the other hand, there's music that's a lot more interesting to play than to
> >hear. A case in point: Persichetti's sixth symphony.
>
> I know that what we like and dislike, and find interesting or not
> interesting is very subjective, but I really, REALLY have to disagree with
> the idea that Persichetti's Symphony No.6 for Band is not interesting to
> listen to. I first heard it when I was 14 years old - and only playing the
> clarinet for 1 year. I listened to it over, and over again - and
> eventually, it became one of my favorite pieces to listen to for band. It
> is extremely exciting - all the way from the imaginative and colorful
> percussion writing to the use of the brass - both in terms of color (mutes,
> texture, voicing, etc.) and in terms of rhythm. Persichetti used his
> traditional instrumental choir approach (groupings of instruments in blocks
> of phrases) throughout, but he did use other compositional elements in this
> piece that highlight his style. He carefully crafted a very exciting and
> interesting work. Careful study of this piece is required - as well as
> multiple listenings - to begin to hear all that is in it.
>
> My opinion is that if you enjoy music - and you are interested in having
> your ears evolve - listen to compositions multiple times. As for the
> Symphony No. 6, there are some excellent recordings that I feel are much
> better than the Fennell/Eastman recording (a classic by the way) - those
> would be University of Illinois with Mark Hindsley, and University of
> Michigan with William D. Revelli. The latter recordings are more accurate
> because Revelli knew Persichetti personally and performed this work every
> three or four years from the time of its composition date - and those are
> very, very exciting performances to hear. There has to be a reason why the
> audience is applauding even before the work is done.
>
> >How many pieces of original writing for wind ensemble are interesting both
> >to the players and the audience?
>
> My guess is that if you went and listened to Hindemith's Symphony for
> Concert Band you would turn it off after two minutes - but there are no
> truly knowledgeable and passionate musicians I have ever met who feel it is
> not exciting or a masterpiece. The Sinfonietta by Ingolf Dahl might turn
> you off immediately - but I find it to be a very engaging and incredibly
> artistic piece of music. If you want to hear delightful and tasteful
> writing for alto clarinet, just pay attention to the second movement solo -
> which ends the movement. Absolutely beautiful writing.
>
> Other pieces that you might explore someday:
>
> The Passing Bell - Warren Benson
> Emblems - Aaron Copland
> Geschwindmarch by Beethoven (paraphrase of March W.w.O 18) - Hindemith
> Konzertmusik fur Blasorchester - Hindemith
> Hammersmith - Gustav Holst
> Music For Prague 1968 - Karel Husa
> Suite Francaise - Milhaud
> Theme and Variations - Schoenberg
> George Washington Bridge - Schuman
>
> I have purposefully listed works that you might first listen to and
> go......"YUCK!!!!" But that are considered to be masterpieces - and are
> undisputed works of art for band. They also happen to be very interesting
> to listen to after you get to know them.
>
> Just something for you to consider Rhea.
>
> Best wishes,
> Roger Garrett
>
> Roger Garrett
> Clarinet Professor
> Director, Symphonic Winds
> Illinois Wesleyan University
> School of Music
> Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
> Phone: (309) 556-3268
> Fax: (309) 556-3121
>
> "A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
> another's."
> Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
>
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