Klarinet Archive - Posting 000130.txt from 2010/06

From: Adam Michlin <amichlin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Alto Clarinet --Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Date: Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:38:43 -0400

Hi Kurt,

My stint was probably around 1991-1992 and it was a special event, not a
regular SJSU Clarinet Choir (although they certainly could have had one
at that time for all I know). I do recall SJSU had several (certainly
more than one) F clarinet instruments and I've wonderfully learned
something new - namely that there are actual things called F Alto
Clarinets! I'm curious as to the reason anyone would make one, though.

As to the Creston, Mr. Abato and I had many discussions about that
recording, much of which will have to wait for further posterity. I
don't believe he learned the Sonata in 2 weeks, that may be a story
attributed to the Creston Concerto (of which there are many
contradicting stories which even Mr. Abato himself wasn't able to clear
up, but I'm pretty sure he didn't learn that in 2 weeks, either).

I can say that the recording was made on a prototype Leblanc alto
saxophone (I believe it was the same as the model briefly used by Johnny
Hodges, as well, something about redesigning the keys so that they all
were closed to open or vice versa). Mr. Abato was adamant throughout his
career that he *always* played what ever he endorsed (and he endorsed
quite a few instruments). Let us just say that the facts are that the
prototype didn't last long and Mr. Abato shortly thereafter went back to
his Selmer. Comparing the Creston Sonata recording to the earlier
Glazounov and Ibert recordings with Philharmonia (later bought by
Nonesuch), I personally find the difference to be fairly self evident.

Best wishes,

-Adam

On 6/6/2010 6:53 PM, kurtheisig@-----.net wrote:
> Adam,
>
> Adam, I played in the SJSU Clarinet Choir around '74 under Clem Hutchinson. SJSU had a Vito F Alto Clarinet in plastic in the Symphonic Band, perhaps the one you are talking about. What year were you there, and what high school did you attend?
>
> btw..Abato did a really nice recording of the Creston Sonata for alto sax, and in one movement there is a huge crash like a pile of dishes hitting the floor. Any information about that recording?
>
> It was always my favorite recording of the Creston, but when you'd bring it up with Rascher he would get terribly huffy that you couldn't possibly learn a piece in 2 weeks, it took at least 6 months. Evidently Abato learned it in 2 weeks ...
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