Klarinet Archive - Posting 000028.txt from 2002/12

From: "John J. O'Neill" <avodah@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Martin Powell
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 16:01:51 -0500

Dear List,

I hesitated before writing this letter, but I can't sit idly by while
one of our members awaits an apparent never-to-be invitation to perform
at a ClarinetFest. The List member is Martin Powell. Many of you have
received and listened to his Son et Lumiere CD, which was given high
praise in The Clarinet. You should know that Martin was nominated to
perform at the 2002 and 2003 ClarinetFests, and he was subsequently
rejected for both events. Now, I'm not saying that these rejections are
unusual or unjust, but I have not seen in the List such an interest
shown for any other performer, including the current emerging prodigy.
(Incidentally, IMHO, the emerging prodigy would probably be accepted
whenever and as often as he is nominated.) Why? Because he is a
prodigy, and the public likes the very young with exceptional ability.
Does this mean, then, that a gifted youthful performer is always
superior to a gifted mature performer? IMHO, I don't think so. How
many of our established teachers/outstanding clarinetists would admit
that the current prodigy is superior to them? Not many, I would think.

Martin Powell is a very gifted artist who does not receive the exposure,
and hence the recognition, that many of our well-known performers do. I
realize that a nomination does not ensure an acceptance. Most things in
life are not guaranteed. What bothers me is the nominating process
itself. There are apparently two types of nominees: a performer and a
performer/lecturer. Only the Fest officials know how many slots for each
type are available. From my observation, however, it seems that a
performer/lecturer is more desirable than a 'mere' performer. So it
would behoove all you prospective participants to work up some kind of a
presentation or lecture to go along with your performance. May I suggest
a comparison of dark and bright tones with dark and light-colored reeds?

Please forgive this very lengthy letter. For those of you who will bear
with me for several more lines, I promise that there will be a reward at
the end. Here are my concluding remarks: First, if a person is not
accepted, he/she will lose perhaps an entire year before being allowed
to apply to the next ClarinetFest, which will be moderated by a whole
new set of officials who may not know you from Adam. That's right, you
will be a year older and sorely discouraged as you wait for something to
happen. Second, being nominated early-on does not ensure that you will
be accepted. FIFO is not the rule here. Third, why are many of the same
performers brought back each year to the exclusion of new and promising
talents? We have probably heard these established performers many times
both in person and on CD's, and now it is time to hear the not-so-famous
but just-as-accomplished performers. I know, there has to be a mix of
new and old because it's all about 'show business.'

I hope that I have not embarrassed Martin by my remarks. He has no
knowledge of this letter. My whole intent here is to show that there is
sufficient interest in his playing right now (far beyond 'bumblebees')
to warrant his acceptance at some near-future ClarinetFest.

Thank you.

John O'Neill

a reward

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