 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-06-10 14:43
Hey,
I'm putting on a recital at the end of the summer. The program (as of now) is:
Bucolique, Bozza
Sonata, Stanford
Concerto, Mozart
My teacher wanted me to do the Brahms Sonata (1 or 2, I could pick), but I thought the Stanford would be better. He told me this was fine, although "the Brahms is better". I can see where a statement like this might come from... the Brahms is probably more mature, and "well crafted", but I don't think this makes it better (it just makes it more mature and well-crafted). I like the Brahms Sonatas, but they are very long and you can't hardly go to a recital without hearing one of them (heck... Stoltzman did both on one program!). I prefer the Stanford (in this case) because to me it has a much fresher sound than the Brahms and it's performed (from what I can tell) much less frequently. Am I just an music-illiterate fool who can't apprectiate what are arguably the best pieces ever written for clarinet, or am I an open-minded "artist" (I use the term very loosely) trying to do something that is traditional yet different and interesting? = ) ... probably somewhere in between...
Anyway, let me know what you think
Don
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: Stéphane
Date: 2003-06-10 15:22
I think you should gracefully accept to hear your teacher's advice... and stand to what you feel like playing! Of course the Brahms are a monument in clarinet repertoire and are wonderful pieces, but it doesn't mean that any other piece of music that you like should be dismissed, particularly since they are not much often played in recitals. A good reason to make it discover by the audience.
The music world is too much full of conventional things. This reminds me about a story by a French classical music critic. He was listenning to the Berlin StaatKapel orchestra in a concert. At the end, an old lady came to him and asked "What shall we think about it?", "Well, he replied, what did YOU think about it?", "Well, she said, this was not the Berliner Philarmoniker!", "Indeed, that was much better" did he say to the shocked old lady.
Stéphane.
After you've heard a work by Mozart, the silence that follows, this is still by Mozart.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-06-10 16:19
Don,
Do what moves you as an artist. At one point I was ready to stab myself in the ear with a pencil if I had to sit through another rendition of Brahms 1 or 2 at a student recital. They are unquestionably fabulous and important works and you should of course learn them, but if you don't want to perform them, don't. Your passion for a work will be transmitted in your performance -- a lack of enthusiasm for Brahms just makes for an uninspired rendition. There is probably no piece on earth more boring when you are just going through the motions than a Brahms clarinet sonata.
I am biased, though. My record label is focused on getting the less played works into the recorded canon, so I have developed quite a passion for the road less traveled. At my own senior recital, I played a work written by my composition teacher and premiered a work of my own. The audience didn't walk out for whatever that is worth. Mix it up -- you've got traditional covered with Mozart.
Have fun with it!
M.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-06-10 16:20
It's your recital--go with your own feelings. Personally, although I have performed both of Brahms Sonata's, I am not one of those who consider them "monuments" of great clarinet music. Have you considered something shorter (& "lighter") such as the Hindemuth or Bernstein Sonatas, or even the always entertaining Benny's Gig by Morton Gould?? The rest of your offerings are great choices.
In any case, best of luck for a fun (and good) rectial.
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Author: Klarinette
Date: 2003-06-10 19:46
I think you have a nice idea. It's true that the Stanford will sound fresher and your audience will appreciate a recital without a Brahms sonata. The Stanford Sonata is not as fine a work, but it should be played more than it is. The middle movement is especially good, though. Stanford did write a few good other works for the clarinet in addition to the Sonata. There are two clarinet quintets, the Three Intermezzi, and a concerto. The intermezzi do sometimes show up on recitals, the concerto is all but ignored, and the clarinet quintets have just been made available. All are available in modern editions.
JCO
A Radio Station for Us!
http://homepage.mac.com/clarinetquintet/Menu8.html
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-06-10 20:10
I definitely agree that Stanford has other good pieces (the concerto gets about as much credit as it deserves, I hate to say!) The 3 Intermezzi are fun, and I just really love the sonata (the 2nd movement IS awesome). I sorta collect clarinet CDs, so I'm familiar with a lot of not-so-well-known pieces, which I think helps a lot. There are so many clarinetists (my age anyway... in college) who think that Mozart, Weber, and Brahms are about it.... Even if those pieces are the "important" ones (musically, historically, whatever), I like to play the less known pieces (1, I like to see the wide variety of music that's in our rep., 2) some of the pieces like Bucolique are just amazing).
Don
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-06-11 01:36
I played the Stanford Sonata on my senior recital at DePaul a few years back. Like others on this BB, I just could not subject my listeners to another Brahms sonata. It is a nice piece, but I think if it is not well thought out and subsequently performed well, it could be a little boring.
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Author: mnorswor
Date: 2003-06-11 13:37
The modern editions of the Stanford Quintets... who publishes them? Thanks for the info.
--Michael
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Author: ken
Date: 2003-06-11 20:22
Ever have to perform (multiple shows, like pit musicals on Broadway) a piece you’re lukewarm about, detest or totally sick of, particularly soloing on a moldy standard? If you really want to put yourself to the test, pick one of the Brahms Sonatas and commit to your finest performance ever. Research, listen, study and practice your tail off like never before and make your best effort to create a fresh and unique rendition that your “oh, not the Brahms again-mumbling” audience will be inspired and not soon forget. Everyone wins! v/r Ken
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2003-06-11 22:11
Hi Michael,
From the Klarinet Archives:
C V Stanford Fantasies No 1 and 2 (duration 12 minutes each) [for clarinet and string quartet], published by SJ Music, 23 Leys Road, Cambridge CB4 2AP, England
+44 1223 314771 (Judith Rattenbury)
Best regards,
jnk
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