Klarinet Archive - Posting 000599.txt from 2002/09

From: "Anthony Wakefield" <tony-w@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] [Fwd: Re: [kl] My attempt to formalize my unstructured ideas]
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2002 08:44:30 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "Daniel Leeson" <leeson0@-----.net>
Subject: Re: [kl] [Fwd: Re: [kl] My attempt to formalize my unstructured
ideas]

> Tony, I don't think we are going to get anywhere but on each other's
> nerves. I perceive that what you want to do is pontificate based on
> data that you invent, while simultaneous maintaining that it is
> blindingly obvious. There are those of us who do not have that kind of
> pipeline to the infinite and who want data or hypotheses or speculations
> supported in some structured fashion.
>
> What I am suggesting is that something is fundamentally wrong in the
> clarinet world when there is no constraint on instumental substituion,
> nor does it have a base of structure. It's all how one feels about
> things and whether this or that sounds better than that or this. Now if
> you want to interpret this as my requesting that all players invest
> $90,000 or £60,000 you certainly can, but it becomes your invention not
> my suggestion.
>
> Dan

Dan,
I was about to bring our discussion to a close, and I had to be diverted
away to finalise my tax return this weekend. I don`t want to ignore what you
say about about my having a pipeline to the infinite, as you put it. I think
this is a bit strong, and I have to defend myself, so I`m here again, like
it or dislike it - - -:<)

There is no great secret, or lack of knowledge, or data required to reveal
just what amount of attributes non-musicians` hold in their intellect and
ears, compared to trained musicians. Not even all trained musicians can
detect subtle differences in timbre of similarly related instruments. This
is common knowledge you must agree with, and which I would prefer for you to
not disagree - please - :<)no accusations of insider knowledge of the
infinite. I do agree with the fact that trained clarinettists` will in most
cases be able to tell the A apart from the Bb, and I have not disputed this
all along, even tho` I may have misled you to some degree.

I have read subsequent posts since my disappearance, which all reveal
"stories" of great bloomers by musicians, which make us howl with laughter,
and you again are sceptical, with some authority I add. "Stories" all
originate in factual occurances, and become somewhat distorted. They <do>
originate in a lot of cases after someone has unwittingly embarrassed
him/herself. This is beside the point however. I wish to assert that,
refering to my earlier remarks, street wiseness has a lot of wisdom beneath
its frowned upon culture. Not in all cases do we even <need> data to realise
sensible solutions or assumptions. And if I was relying on streetwiseness,
or even knowledge of the infinite, then I am indeed using <all> my
faculties, as opposed to relying on what could be dubious data.

There, I`ve defended myself, and shall utter no more. You are indeed a well
respected muso, with very well respected views. It`s just that I think I
observe a minute, and <infinitely> small hairline crack in your traditions.
I believe in a more flexible, practical, and adjustable approach.

Best,
Tony W.

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