Klarinet Archive - Posting 000611.txt from 2003/07

From: "Anthony Wakefield" <tony-w@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Greatest CPT Expert: Prof. Tim Roberts
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 09:23:19 -0400

Bear,
I am a clarinettist and a composer - although "music writer" might be a more
appropriate phrase to use as far as a true description of what I am is
concerned. To what degree of competance is not for me to say; I do not wish
to blow my own trumpet, least of all in here, so perhaps what I say does in
fact say how competant I really am. I occasionally insert my web site for
perusal - but that is all.
Insofar as I believe players to be different from composers, if we as
composers praise <our own> works, we need know for sure that we are indeed
going to receive some form of criticism, however small. To then argue the
case, is obviously then going to drive away further potential interest in
accruing "friendly" artistes, who may eventually wish to commission you to
write something for them.
In other words, you haven`t helped your own case in wanting to promote your
music. There is a lot of music around; maybe too much. None of us can take
it all in, not even in a decade. So I believe personality comes into play
here also - just as much as in the final year in college, when the guys
surrounding you all have an interest in forming ensembles aiming for the
world outside, where good comradeship is essential, and where the slightest
fallout between any member can break up the group. Composers do not have
this same kind of contact with players. It is much more on a knife edge for
us. A small disagreement, and a player may well say "well stuff your tune
then". He still has the spot in the programme to fill. You don`t! To me it`s
similar to submitting a tender, hoping it may attract and win interest. I
cannot do more than this. I try to be wholesomely plain & straight when
promoting my own musical endeavours.
It maybe a good idea to help promote your clarinet sonata, by distributing
say 10/15 free copies on a first come basis, on the understanding that there
must be a serious interest in playing it, and that the music will not be
photocopied, unless contact with you is made.
I hope meanwhile that you eventually may come to integrate with your own
kind of comradeship in here.
Best Wishes,
Tony W.
Tag line: There are more poor composers out there than poor
instrumentalists.
P.S. (Not linked to tag line) - Learn to play the clarinet - - - - -

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