Klarinet Archive - Posting 000453.txt from 2001/11

From: Tony@-----.uk (Tony Pay)
Subj: Re: [kl] That's a matter of opinion, Tony
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 15:13:16 -0500

On Mon, 12 Nov 2001 11:39:53 -0800, leeson0@-----.net said:

> Whether the elimination of m. 111 in K. 361/V or its retention is an
> important matter depends very much on one's point of view. With your
> group of excellent players and you as the conductor, that piece is
> almost going to play itself, though it will require personal input
> from you of course. I certainly do not deny that.
>
> But the presence or absence of that measure has a not inconsiderable
> effect on the character of the fifth movement (in my opinion, at
> least). And while I am pleased no end that you are in agreement with
> me about not performing it, I am troubled by your reduction of the
> decision to the process of a democratic vote on the matter.

I am myself very much against making performances dependent on such
democratic opinions. I wholeheartedly despised the tendency of a
previous director to call for such opinions, on important matters.

But, this was a special case. And it wouldn't have occurred if the
matter hadn't been up for judgement on this list.

> What's right or wrong for that kind of problem should not be concluded
> by player vote. Certain aspects of performance should never be
> decided on as if musical truth can be achieved by some kind of a
> statistical average. If you, as the conductor, think the measure
> should stay in, leave it in. If you think it should go, take it out.
> It's like playing a repeat or not. That's your decision.

Yes, I agree. But in this case, I think that the decision is so evenly
balance that I didn't really mind it going against my judgement.

> I also admit, I am puzzled by Colin's voting against eliminating it
> when he seemed to be so much for it in his book. But, live and learn.

He said to me that he'd mentioned with approval your concern for the
textual evidence in his book; but that he hadn't committed himself to
endorsing your conclusion.

> I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves, something easy to do when
> playing that work. Who played basset horn? Colin and ??

It was Colin and Margaret Archibald.

> Who played clarinet? I presume you conducted and did not play.

No, I played first clarinet, and Jane Booth played second clarinet.

I do have to say that I very much appreciate your concern and commitment
to this piece, Dan. You are an inspiration to us all, even if I
happened on this occasion to go against what you would have wanted.

Nevertheless, I still want to say that what we're after in music is the
blend of intellect and instinct; and that that's more important than
intellect by itself.

Tony
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