Klarinet Archive - Posting 000428.txt from 2001/09

From: Bilwright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: [kl] Martin Powell - Son et Lumiere
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 18:41:22 -0400

I don't have credentials as a music critic, but since Martin asked for
opinions about his CD:

In addition to the selections being technically difficult and executed
successfully, Martin plays them in the manner of honest music.

What does "honest" mean? Sometimes when I listen to a 'big name' play
a technically difficult piece, I feel afterwards as if I have been
assaulted --- as if the clarinetist had stood me against a concrete wall
and demanded that I listen, and if I didn't perceive the music to be
wonderful the first time, then he would play it at me again, exactly the
same way, until finally I heard it correctly. This is not (imo)
'honest' music. First and foremost, music should be a physical
pleasure to hear and it should reach out and grab your senses. Other
qualities, such as intellectual stimulation, are only the cream floating
on top.

Martin plays with technical skill, but his CD is also a pleasure to
hear. It projects consistent, strong moods as well as technical
expertise.

....and so does the pianist. (Stephen Robbins, who is also listed as
'digital editor' for the recording). The two of them play as a pair
who understand each other.

I hope that Martin sells a lot of copies.

Cheers, and thank you, Martin

-Bill

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