Klarinet Archive - Posting 000129.txt from 2007/11

From: Martin Baxter <martinbaxter@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Reading music instead of memorizing
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:27:56 -0500

I have seen several orchestras who perform from memory; also I've
seen & heard the Vienna Phil. play the Ov, to Figaro from memory. It
is certainly possible.
Martin
On 29 Nov 2007, at 12:40, Lelia Loban wrote:

> Tim Roberts wrote,
>> Are you talking about soloists or ensemble performers? In my
>> experience, soloists usually do have their parts memorized, in part
>> because it makes for a better "show". Ensemble players do not
>> have the
>> same need for putting on a good show. Also, the soloist is
>> playing the
>> melody, and the melody is always easier to memorize. Third clarinet
>> parts are just not as "intuitive".
>>
>> Finally, some people have the ability to memorize easily, and some do
>> not. I don't think it's particularly useful to read anything into
>> it.
>
> Tim, I think your answer is full of good common sense. For some of
> us, though, nothing works. Back when I used to try to perform at
> student recitals (I never got above that level and never played
> well enough to deserve to), I memorized easily but had so much
> stage fright that I put the music on the stand anyway whenever
> possible, in case of the expected memory lapse. Sometimes, though,
> having the music on the stand made matters worse, because then I
> contended not only with panic-stricken memory whoopsies but also
> with turning the pages, sometimes two or three at a time!--or put
> myself at the mercy of a page-turner who might or might not be
> paying attention--or something worse.
>
> I'll never forget the stranger who got assigned to me as page
> turner at random at one regional high school competition. She
> introduced herself five minutes before we went on by saying, "I
> can't read music, but just nod when you want me to turn the page."
> Er...this piano score had repeats. Lots of repeats. Including D.
> C. al segno. Aaaaagggghhh! I told her, "Oh, that's okay, I think
> I can manage the page turns by myself." Which I couldn't. Oh,
> well, it was only one fiasco among many, but after that I worked up
> the nerve to impose on a friend to take this boring job.
>
> Lelia Loban
> Impeach Cheney first.
>
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