Klarinet Archive - Posting 000061.txt from 2005/08

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Robert Schoen
Date: Fri, 05 Aug 2005 16:14:08 -0400

From: Adam Michlin=20

<<<Mahler would definitely fit the definition of a self-appointed stuffy
(thought he was a) god. It is a shame, to me, heaven forbid someone
actually *enjoy* a concert and express themselves!>>>

So, I assume you are saying that if people don't wildly flap their hands
together like trained seals at every hint of silence during the course
of a piece, then they aren't enjoying the music? Do you also believe
that musicians should smile while they are playing in order to show that
they are enjoying the music?

I claim that on the contrary, you can't tell whether or not a person is
understanding and/or enjoying music by the way they look, or by the
amount that they clap their hands at opportune or inopportune times.
There are some people in the world who prefer to hear music in a context
of silence. If you would be inclined to clap your hands after the 4th
movement (Adagietto) of Mahler's 5th Symphony, then I suggest that you
would have had no idea what the music is about. Or, do you reserve such
uninhibited displays only for loud and fast music, as many audiences are
inclined to do today?

I would suggest that before criticizing Mahler, you should learn more
about him and his music. In the opinion of many musicians, if not a
"God," Mahler as a composer was about as close to being a "god" as we
have experienced in the past 100 years or so. There is much material
available about him and his music, as well as his viewpoints on music,
art, and life. I recommend some reading to you.

As you can surmise, I found your message somewhat irritating, if not
insulting.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville

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