Klarinet Archive - Posting 000115.txt from 2007/09

From: "David Lamb" <dlamb@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Neilsen Concerto Puzzelment
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:19:24 -0400

Daniel Leeson argues that our evaluation of Spohr (or any artist) is largely
a matter of taste. And I largely agree, though I think that there are basic
competence issues that go beyond taste. I assume that few people question
the competence of the Spohr clarinet concerti. I happen to think that they
are delightful, and I have often wondered why I have never been fortunate
enough to hear a live performance. More than one clarinetist has told me
that they are seldom played because they are excruciatingly difficult. This
hardly seems likely because clarinetists play all kinds of virtuoso pieces.
So maybe it really is simply fashion that is operating here.

Nobody has mentioned the Finzi concerto. This is another wonderful piece
that I have never heard live.

David Lamb in Seattle

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