The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2011-09-23 19:37
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed a free concert last night at a south side mega church. They performed a Verdi's Joan of Arc overture, Ibert's Flute Concerto and Thaikovsky's 5th Symphony. To my knowledge it is the first official concert that Steve Williamson played as principal clarinetist with the orchestra. He sounded fantastic but more importantly he sounded like a team player in that section from the very first note. I'm glad the orchestra took its time finding the right player for that legendary section. John also sounded great in executing the 1st part during the Ibert Concerto.
Most of the attention usually goes to the principal player of any section but I wanted to also point out how attention worthy Greg Smith's role as 2nd clarinet throughout the whole concert. He blended perfectly with Steve in the opening of Tchaik as well as providing the perfect support when the clarinets were in octaves in the 2nd movement. It could be argued that Marcellus wrote the book in setting the standard for principal clarinet playing. Greg Smith is clearly doing the same with the role of the 2nd clarinetist. I wasn't even born when Marcellus was playing live but I am glad that I am around to hear Greg's contribution to the art.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-09-23 22:20
I believe Steve was picked by Muti after a private audition. True??
richard smith
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