Klarinet Archive - Posting 000555.txt from 2002/09

From: "Anthony Wakefield" <tony-w@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Composer/Performer or Notation/Performance?
Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 13:23:51 -0400

Bill Wright said:

> > Various people on the list have explained to me frequently (during the
> > last couple of years) that a musician can obey what's printed and still
> > play the music in their own unique way ("make it their own").

Tony Pay replies:
Big snip - - -
> Notice that this way of looking at the situation includes the notion
> that, in some contexts, extramusical actions might be part of a piece.
> I once played a performance of an ensemble piece by Kagel during which
> it came to me that I should burst into tears on stage and stop playing.
> When I did so, covering my face with my hands, I felt a consoling arm
> round my shoulders for a moment.

What on earth caused you to do this? Was it instructed in the part? Or as
Bill Wright enquires, were you putting your own interpretation onto what you
thought should be <your own> personal portrayal of a particular section of
the music? Was this spontaneous? When Kagel put his arm around you, was this
part of the performance, or was this genuine concern for your well being? By
stopping playing, did you omit from playing anything? What was the reaction
of the audience? Did anyone think of you as being foolish? Was it indeed a
humorous piece of music?
Sorry for so many questions - - - - Tony W.

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