Klarinet Archive - Posting 000853.txt from 2003/05

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] RE: Gran Partitta recording
Date: Fri, 30 May 2003 22:33:48 -0400

Dan Leeson wrote:

<<<There are close to 1000 differences just in the placement and
intensity of the dynamics in what Furtwangler conducted as contrasted
with what the composer wrote.>>>

If Mozart had "conducted," or rather supervised, a performance of this
work, how many differences would there have been between the dynamics
that the performers played and what was shown on the score?

If one cannot deviate in the slightest from the orthodoxy of a
supposedly "correct" edition of a work, but must slavishly follow every
slightest fly-speck on the music, then in what way does the musician
differ from an automaton? How can this be reconciled with the
often-stated assertion that performers must bring something of
themselves to the performance, and in the case of Baroque and classical
performers, must also improvise certain elements?

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville

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