Klarinet Archive - Posting 000065.txt from 2007/10

From: "colin.touchin@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] repeats
Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:49:29 -0400

When the harmonic development of a sonata-form movement is more
complex, or the route away from the tonic more distant and the return more
drawn-out, the exposition repeat is essential to provide balance of
harmonic structure. When the performers provide a reason for the repeat
(eg in baroque or classical music by ornamenting their lines and cadences
differently; or in any style by "saying" it differently the second time to
enhance or expand meaning) they provide their own justification beyond
any there may be inherent in the composer's concept. Some repeats exist
to uphold formulaic proportion. And there are indeed superfluous repeats
where the double-bars and dots are there by convention more than musical
necessity (except: the convention of the time = musical necessity in some
instances, too!) My stance is we do the works of the past a better service
by observing the repeats more often than dispensing with them just
because, we might think, we live in a more sophisticated century where we
believe we listen diligently the first time. We take care in so many minute
details to present to the public the music as we think it may have sounded
at the time of composition: repeats are rather bigger than details and it
would appear most repeats would have been played in the conventions of
the time of composition.
The use of the copy and paste buttons on computers is much more likely to
produce redundant repetition and lazy composition. And why not enjoy
good music and good playing a second time?! Colin Touchin.

------------------------------------------------------------------