Klarinet Archive - Posting 000447.txt from 2003/12
From: Dan Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] C-Clarinet Alert
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:59:35 -0500
Forest Aten wrote:
> Dan,
>
> I don't have any valid arguments. Only those based on the kind of prejudice
> you mention in your story.
>
> What a great story teller you are....and to be sure, your story was to the
> point. People show bias in many ways. I love that your patron had called
> Drucker for advise. Makes me smile.
>
> And for Tony....I have no bias. I love to play my C clarinet and do all of
> the time. In cases when I prefer to play the C clarinet and I'm not allowed
> (or advised not to)....it is a disappointment.
>
> In my experience, a few conductors claimed that they could hear a difference
> in sound and because of this "difference" they didn't want the C played in
> the section. These conductors didn't mention any "difference" before they
> knew about the C being played in the section and they didn't mention that
> there were basic differences between players sounds (both on similar
> clarinets) before they were made aware of the C being played in the section.
> ;-) That difference didn't seem to matter.
>
> I have played C clarinet in orchestras for years. I own a great C clarinet.
> I have performed many, many times without the conductor knowing....and
> sometimes without the other player in the section noticing. More often I
> observe issues when the other player does know. This especially if I play
> second. And of course when the conductor takes note or has been "advised"
> that I am playing the C instrument. (by who and why?????) I play Bb clarinet
> on C parts almost as often....just as a practical matter. Transposition is
> not an issue.
>
> Arguments I've heard from other players....
>
> "Because we are playing different notes....fingered....we won't be able to
> play "in tune".
> "It's not fair......you can't play C because I don't have one"....hahahahaha
> And they were SERIOUS. I packed it up.
> "Tone color isn't the same"....this from a player that I had played second
> to for many years, off and on....and I had performed with the C clarinet for
> 3 years in this particular orchestra before this player even realized that I
> owned and played a C clarinet. Few in that wind section even knew I was
> playing a C instrument...in all those years.
>
> So Dan....
>
> Most of the arguments I've encountered, were similar to the one in your
> story. I don't argue this point with conductors, other players or patrons.
> Like you...I want the pay check. I play whatever clarinet they want me to
> play. If they want Mozart on a 5 or 7 key clarinet...I'll call Tony and spin
> off the work.
>
> Happy Holiday,
>
> Forest
>
Good analysis Forest. Bob Levin was playing the Beethoven 1st piano
concerto somewhere in mid-America, maybe Indianapolis or someplace like
that. The work is entirely for C clarinet and when the clarinet player
entered with his great solo, Bob looked up in astonishment. He was
playing a C and it was glorious. Later Bob went over to the guy and
said, "That's a great C clarinet." And the player looked so grateful
that anyone had noticed, much less the soloist for the work.
Now when Bob plays that concerto, he looks out to see if he is going to
get lucky and have a player with a C. I've told him that he should make
that a condition of performance. Something like, "NO C, GO PEE!" or
"GOT A C? WHEE!!!"
Dan
--
Dan Leeson
leeson0@-----.net
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