Klarinet Archive - Posting 000119.txt from 2008/11

From: "Dan Leeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Dr. Atomic clarinets
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:52:58 -0500

Thanks Clark. That certainly answers my question about how many contrabass
clarinets were used. But it was so loud and forceful, that it is hard to
believe that such a high quality sound could come from one instrument.

When one accuses a player of being loud, that is generally thought of as a
criticism. But such was not my intent in the case of the Met player in Dr.
Atomic. It was loud, to be sure, but it was very much in the character of
the music being performed. I could have wrapped my arms around the sound
balloon made by the Met player, so substantive was it.

However, after three days, I can only remember that the music was dramatic,
but not memorable; i.e., I can't remember any of it, but that is probably
because I am so stuck in the 18th century. I'm glad I went to see the show,
and I found it exciting and moving, but not loveable.

Dan Leeson
dnleeson@-----.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Clark W Fobes Clarinet & Saxophone Products" <clark@-----.com>
To: <Klarinet@-----.org>
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 6:17 AM
Subject: [kl] Dr. Atomic clarinets

> Hi Dan,
>
> Dr. Atomic was premiered by the San Francisco Opera, as I am sure you
> know. I was not fortunate enough to play any rehearsals and I did not see
> a performance, so I cannot comment on the music (although I am a fan
> of John Adams' music in general). However, I do know that the opera calls
> for only 3 clarinetists and I believe the section is configured like this:
> Principal, 2nd doubling Eb , bass clarinet doubling contra bass clarinet.
> Lino Gomez has been playing the bass/contra bass part for the Met
> performances and he is using one of my San Francisco BBb contra bass
> clarinet mouthpieces.
>
>
> Clark W Fobes
> www.clarkwfobes.com
>
> Go to my blog!
> http://clarkwfobes.wordpress.com
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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