Klarinet Archive - Posting 000089.txt from 2008/11

From: "Heinemann, Stephen" <sjh@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Re: Doctor Atomic
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:17:22 -0500

On 11/9/08 4:01 AM, Dan Leeson <dnleeson@-----.net> wrote:

> Saw the production of Dr. Atomic from the Met in NY and in several
> sections I heard what has to be the loudest contrabass clarinet I ever
> heard or else two contrabass clarinetists blasting away. There was also
> what I think may have been an A-flat piccolo clarinet (or else an I-flat
> clarinet player who could play up to high A). Anyone know about the
> clarinet needs of John Adams Dr. Atomic.
>
> The opera is very effective dramatically, but musically, that's another
> matter.

Sorry, I can't help out with any clarinet specifics.

I saw Doctor Atomic early this year in Chicago and thought it was one of the
most profound works of art I've seen. I was especially impressed with the
music, which I found to be powerful and moving -- harmonically and
melodically convincing, rhythmically fascinating, and brilliantly
orchestrated. To each his own.

Just to be sure, I went to the local dodecaplex yesterday and saw the same
performance that Dan did. My initial impressions of the music were
reinforced, and I'm looking forward to the release of the recording. The
staging and sets (by a different director and designer) seemed very static
and were not nearly as compelling as those in Chicago, although that may
have been in part an illusion forced by all the close-up camera angles.

Steve Heinemann
Bradley University

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