Klarinet Archive - Posting 000698.txt from 2004/01

From: Tony@-----.demon.co.uk (Tony Pay)
Subj: Re: [kl] Composers' employ of articulation and other devices in work in general
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 15:47:47 -0500

On Wed, 21 Jan 2004 08:54:10 -0500, arlyss1@-----.net said:

> I am wondering if I could possibly say that, perhaps a composer, when
> working, sometimes will utilize particular contrasts in the articulations
> between two instruments that create a particular effect almost as a verbal
> storyteller might place stress on particular words or sentences, or an
> actor might deliver his/her dialogue in a particular way vice another
> fashion - or a writer, (Perhaps a better comparison, since we are talking
> about the creation of a work, rather than its interpretation here) will
> write dialogue in such a way that certain words' meanings are thus and so,
> rather than different, considering the context of the setting of a story,
> etc.? The music the composer is creating is much like a story or play or
> myth a writer is writing or relating, much more so than, say, a newspaper
> article or an encyclopedia entry?

Yes, I think that sort of thing often does occur.

We'd been talking more about 'rationalising' the articulations between parts
that were sounding together; but there is indeed a tendency to think that
(for example) "If the oboe has just played that articulation, I have to do it
the same way."

It's often worth resisting, for the reasons you describe.

> ...this brings to mind a recital I had the privilege of hearing a few years
> ago at the University of Richmond. Our own David Niethamer performed the
> premiere of a work by composer Allan Blank. Dr. Blank had written a work
> which employed a number of different "voices" if you will, or "moods". I
> realize some people will find this aspect of discussing music in general,
> and the clarinet in particular, a bit discomfiting...

I have to ask, why do you think this? (And if you're right, then I say those
people need to change their attitude PDQ:-(

> ...but I found this work particularly enjoyable not only because of
> David's skill in interpreting the work, but also because of the emotions
> and thoughts it evoked in me. It wasn't simply a reproduction - a
> "newspaper article"; it was a myth, a story. David, if you have a few
> moments, it would be wonderful to find out a bit more about this and other
> of Dr. Blank's works for clarinet that you have performed.

Go ahead, David!

> Again, sorry for the length.

Why?

Tony
--
_________ Tony Pay
|ony:-) 79 Southmoor Rd Tony@-----.demon.co.uk
| |ay Oxford OX2 6RE http://classicalplus.gmn.com/artists
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..... I tried switching to gum but couldn't keep it lit

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