Klarinet Archive - Posting 000381.txt from 2004/08

From: Martin Arnold <moctezuma@-----.mx>
Subj: [kl] Galper testimonial
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 08:59:18 -0400

Mike and I studied with Mr.Galper and I'd like to add my thoughts:

I started studying with Mr. Galper the last year of high school and
continued throughout university. When I started my job with the Mexico City
Philharmonic, trips back to Toronto would include a visit with the Galpers.
And whatever clarinet problem that I would mention- which I had a vague
notion of what it was, Mr. Galper would always be able to rapidly pinpoint
what the real cause of the problem was and know how to fix it. It was like
visiting a doctor for a semi-annual check-up. Even as a professional he was
constantly, urging, encouraging, pushing, leading, guiding, cajoling and
prodding me forward- hallmarks of a good teacher, and best of all by being =
a
good model himself.

In the lessons I dreaded the questions, the entrapment: =B3Just because it=B9s
marked piano, doesn=B9t mean it should sound anaemic=B2. =B3It=B9s marked piano, wh=
y
are you playing so loud?=B2 =B3 Have you listened to this?=B2 =B3How many times hav=
e
you listened to this?=B2 =B3Did you listen to the other parts, not just the
clarinet part?=B2 And later at night on the phone =B3how=B9s the practicing?=B2 and
than zoning in =B3how many hours did you practise?=B2

I was knocked out by his control of the instrument and his inimitable style
He would often complain =B3it sounds like just the notes=B2 and then play the
opening of the Brahms Quintet infused with that captivating, mysterious
something of great playing.

His knowledge of the clarinet was all encompassing; his basement housed a
collection of hundreds of antique clarinets, and there was no facet of
clarinet playing that he wasn=B9t extremely involved in: writing method books=
,
arrangements and inventions. His energy and vivacious mind belied his age.
His articles in the clarinet magazine about Weber read like poetry to me. H=
e
worked hard.

The practise room led directly to the kitchen where Mr. Galper displayed hi=
s
Yoda-like love of food. =B3What goodies did you bring for me today?=B2 he would
ask. Upon opening the freezer where he hid his private stash of almond bark
he would quip, =B3this isn=B9t usually for company=B2

He would often say to me in my lessons =B3you will understand what I mean in
20 years=B2 and it has been fortunate to have had this continuity in my
studies: to be able to go back and ask and discuss with him that what he
said 20 years ago if it meant this...The number of influential teachers I
have had in my life I can count on one hand- not that I=B9m complaining- and
while many of the other pillars of my educational years have slipped away
and remain a memory, Mr. Galper has remained a constant, continual and
congruous support. I feel blessed to have had a figure like that in my life=
.
He is a big part of who I am today. And that to me is how he goes on living=
;
in the lives of us whom he touched.

Martin Arnold

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