 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2006-07-14 04:26
Hi all!
Many of you have downloaded recordings from my podcast, and while I'm generally not looking for feedback on it, I am this time!
I would love some feedback on my recording of the Debussy and how I could improve it - specifically, I need to get the style right as I feel I was a little off in this instance.
Please keep it constructive and non-judgmental.
Thanks!
PS. The address is in my signature - you will need an RSS-capable browser such as Firefox. Internet Explorer 6 does not have built-in RSS support. Alternatively, open iTunes, click on Advanced then select Subscribe To Podcast... and enter the address there.
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2006-07-17 19:11
First of all let me say I am very impressed that you have the courage to post your performances and to open yourself up to comments.
Regarding your interpretation: Besides the obvious dynamics and tonal shadings you might consider, I was struck by your tendancy to break a slur and treat what in my opinion should be the final notes of a phrase as pick up notes to the next. You did this a few times and I feel it betrays the intent of Debussy. I feel it is best to view the slurs not only as articulation but more importantly as phrase markings. Of course doing so will create rather odd phrasing if viewed through typical romantic glasses, but I feel this is one of the things that separates Debussy from what came before.
Now one can hardly address the phrasing and tonal needs of a performance without consideration to the technique required to accomplish this. It sounds to me like your reeds are just too soft to sustain a properly focused and in tune sound. If you listen carefully to the opening phrase you will notice a slight instability in each of the three notes. The pitch varies within each note. A reed that is that soft will allow you to get a tubby sound that lacks definition and one that has a reedy quality that is harsh: reminds me a little of Janet Hilton.
IMO, I think you would benefit from a slightly harder reed and perhaps a higher tongue position to center the tone. Also working finger technique with a metronome would help. After your fundamentals are under control then you will have the freedom to be expressive in the music.
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2006-07-18 01:41
Morrigan -
Sorry that I'm unable to receive and review your performance.
I did write a four page masterclass with history and suggestions to the performer that appeared in The Clarinet periodical, volume 25, no. 3 (May/June 1998).
Perhaps you, a classmate, your teacher, or your music/public library will have a copy that you can peruse.
Best,
Gregory Smith
http://www.gregory-smith.com
Post Edited (2006-07-18 01:42)
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2006-07-18 03:15
Thanks Mark -
Good performance.
Generally speaking, you might want to review some of the basic tempo indications: closer to 50 to the quarter at the start, double the tempo between 2 and 3, keeping A tempo between 8 and 9, and from 12 to the end, both you and the pianist strictly adhering to the printed page insofar as tempo and rhythmic indications are concerned. These basic suggestions would help the performance flow more freely and the piece hold together as an organic whole.
I couldn't pick up tonal characteristics on my computer's speakers that well but from what I did hear, perhaps more attention to tonal focus and more dynamic range (especially in regard to the printed P's and PP's) would make the piece spring to life a little more.
And don't forget to correct the misprints!
Best,
Gregory Smith
On edit: It sounds as if you've come a long way from points far away considering our discussion here a few years back:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=91975&t=91948
Post Edited (2006-07-18 06:20)
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2006-07-18 07:08
Haha yeah thanks for bring that up Gregory... All I can say is that I am no longer a teenager!
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-07-18 07:57
You already recevied a lot of (helpful) criticism, so I'll just say one thing - I have a recording of this piece by one of the most famous and respected American clarinetists, and some of your 16ths close to the end are more even than his!
Post Edited (2006-07-18 07:58)
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