Klarinet Archive - Posting 000901.txt from 2004/07

From: "Jim Lytthans" <lytthans@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] KlarinetFest Update III
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 21:27:36 -0400

Well, it's Friday evening, after a long and rewarding day at the 'Fest. Bob
Spring, along with his former student Scott Wright, did a morning session
called "Extreme Clarinet-Safety Gear Not Required". The music presented
taxed the ear a bit, with all possible new (read: loud) techniques for the
clarinet. Not my favorite way to exercise the ear. The Cuarteto de
Clarinetes de Caracas performed at the alternate 1/4 mile away venue. I'm
sure they were able to cleanse the ears a bit, as they always do. My
hearing balm was the Czech Republic clarinetist Karel Dohnal, who played
with great aplomb and grace. What a gorgeous sound! Nothing like the Czech
player of yore. Karel played the Martinu Sonatina from memory, plus the
"Nursery Rhymes " by Leos Janacek, for clarinet, voice and piano, with mezzo
Patricia Green, a Czech singer with a beautiful voice. Dohnal closed with
the powerful Sonata by Miloslav Istvan.

I passed on Henri Bok's recital on bass clarinet, since I heard him in Salt
Lake last summer. I'm sure he mesmerized the audience with his gymnastics
on the bass, as always. My wife enjoyed his recital.

The afternoon featured recital was by Jozsef Balogh. The audience was very
small, but, as always, Jozsef completely captivated his listeners. He is
able to perform in many varied styles with ease, whether it be classical,
jazz, Gypsy or Klezmer. No Taragato this time, but no need. His playing
was absolutely superb! What a showman!

I passed on the two clarinet ensembles late afternoon (Eastern Kentucky U
Clarinet Ensemble and the U of Florida CE), both were excellent, according
to my wife. My need to practice won out..............

We had dinner at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, located at the local
airport just north of the campus. Really good food, in a WWII French
farmhouse captured by the Allies, with several warbirds located by the front
door.

That's it, dear readers, for today. One and 1/2 days left for the 'Fest
.............
Jim Lytthans
ClarinetFest 2004
College Park, MD

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