Klarinet Archive - Posting 000162.txt from 2002/08

From: "Jeroen T. Salm" <jtsalm@-----.nl>
Subj: RE: [kl] Are you a mover & a shaker?
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 04:06:50 -0400

Hi Listmembers,

Reading the articles here it seems to me, that (in general) European
clarinettists tend to move (and shake) "more" than the Americans while
performing. Watching the many videos and DVD=B4s I have with orchestras =
I
come to that same conclusion: not only soloists but also the orchestra
members often tend to dance on those performances by European
orchestras. The members of the American orchestras (like Chicago) seem
only to have lively eyebrows.

It seems to me it has something to do with what we learn / tradition.
Culture teaches us what is beautiful, what is ugly (the nature versus
nurture discussion). That the European culture differs form the American
is obvious. Probably (in general!) there is also a difference in
(schools of) teaching and therefore "building our taste" on the subject
of (among others) "moving while playing" which could explain the
difference (in general) between European (Mrs Sabine Meijer, Mr Karl
Leister) and American great clarinettists.

Many Europeans speak (in general) about the American musicians as very
(very!) technical, always in tune, rhythmically correct but lacking the
emotion... I just tell you what I hear. Perhaps the emphasis on
technique, tuning etc. in the US motivates to "stand still" while
performing. Maybe the Europeans (in general!) begin with seeking for
"the story", the "essence"... I don't know ...

But, I am speaking in general! I do know a lot of motionless musicians
here in Europe, as there probably will be a great deal of "movers and
shakers" amongst the US-players!=20

> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: redcedar2 [mailto:redcedar2@-----.au]
> Verzonden: vrijdag 9 augustus 2002 13:37
> Aan: klarinet@-----.org
> Onderwerp: RE: [kl] Are you a mover & a shaker? - Meyer
=09

> In my view, Meyer's performance, whilst marvellous music, was
a very good
> argument for seating the soloist.
> Michael

BTW: Mr Karl Leister played (plays) as soloist (Mozart etc.) on a chair
(in front of orchestra)!

Yours,
Jeroen T. Salm
(The Netherlands)

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