Klarinet Archive - Posting 000216.txt from 2011/01

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Question about "Professional" clarinets
Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:00:35 -0500


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Martin Baxter [mailto:martinbaxter1@-----.com]
> Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:02 AM
> To: The Klarinet Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [kl] Question about "Professional" clarinets
>
> Steve,
> I think this stuff about 'professional' clarinets is a lot of advertising eyewash. What does it mean?
> If it means, as it should "good enough for the player to earn a living playing it" that would include
> most of the clarinets around. If it means "as used in professional orchestras" that is barely
> meaningful now that the orchestral managements themselves seem to dictate the make and model of
> instrument required. Gone are the days when Pat Ryan could get away with playing an old Boosey simple
> system in the Halle because he liked the sound. I remember at about this time Chris Ball played in the
> Halle on a Boosey & Hawkes 'Emperor', by no means a 'professional' model.
> Recitalists, who are less subject to outside pressures, seem to use a wider range of instruments, and
> maker's adverts will tell you what they play. Of course they won't tell you whether they are being
> paid to play them.
> I have seen and heard Artia instruments (very well) played in the Prague Opera orchestra. ( I was able
> to talk to some of the players afterwards.) Is that 'professional'? I have an Artia G which is a
> superb instrument. But I cannot imagine that the company can afford to sponsor an American clarinet
> section to use Artia instruments.
> Martin
>

There are measurable differences between clarinets. Some of these differences define what's acceptable to professional
players. The label "professional clarinet" .... is pretty useless.

In the US....I know of few examples (none first hand...and I know many professional orchestral players) of
conductors/management requiring a player to use one brand of instrument over another. It just isn't common. Players make
the choice of instrument....if those choice(s) don't meet the/a professional standard....those players usually lose when
participating in auditions...

Forest

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