Klarinet Archive - Posting 000521.txt from 2002/09

From: Tony@-----.uk (Tony Pay)
Subj: [kl] Stravinsky 3 Pieces
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002 17:27:07 -0400

On Mon, 23 Sep 2002 20:18:31 -0700 (PDT), w9wright@-----.net said:

> Once I heard a performer give a quick historical introduction before
> playing Three Pieces. She said that Stravinsky specified a different
> clarinet in the third piece simply because he liked the visual impact of
> a performer carrying two instruments onto the stage and switching them
> between movements. Allegedly the instruction had nothing to do with
> sound character.
>
> I've wondered whether this is actual fact, supported by one of
> Stravinsky's letters, or whether it is a myth?

I went back and found what you wrote. Dan Leeson may know something
about your question, as you suggested, Bill. I missed it first time
round.

All I know myself -- and, remember, Stravinsky was notorious for
contradicting himself, so he may have said something else in another
context -- is that in conversation with him about the work, Rosario
Mazzeo reported that his attitude to the different instruments was the
following:

"By the way, the use of the A and Bb clarinets was indicated so that the
proper character of each piece would best be portrayed, especially the
quietness of the first, and the brilliance of the third movement."

The complete article by Mazzeo, which is well worth reading, is in the
Klarinet archives in two parts, made available by David Niethamer:

http://www.woodwind.org/Databases/Logs/1996/03/000527.txt

http://www.woodwind.org/Databases/Logs/1996/03/000529.txt

Tony
--
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