Author: GBK
Date: 2003-11-23 22:21
This afternoon I had the pleasure of hearing Stanley and Naomi Drucker give a recital to a full house at the Riverhead Library, Riverhead, NY. A number of clarinetists and bulletin board contributors were also in attendance, including Ken Shaw and wjk. Perhaps they will add their comments to this thread.
Stanley Drucker is not a stranger to the Eastern End of Long Island (NY) as he often keeps his boat out here and frequently visits, thus for him and Naomi it was like coming home.
The program consisted of Stanley playing the Poulenc Sonata and the Bernstein Sonata. He and Naomi teamed to play both Mendelssohn Concert Pieces, the Sonata for 2 Clarinets and Piano by Gary Shocker and concluded with Ponchielli's Il Convegno.
The library hall is very dry with a lack of resonance, yet Stanley's sound was round, full, with beautiful color. Very few clarinetists can equal Stanley's tonguing precision and clarity. His passion and enthusiasm in each and every note draws the audience in and keeps their attention. Clearly, the audience enjoyed each piece and the concluding standing ovation was well deserved.
Not to be overlooked was Naomi's playing. She and Stanley phrased perfectly together, breathing as one. Their intonation was impeccable.
I was able to spend about a half hour talking with Stanley before the concert. We discussed many different things, including (as I know many are curious) his equipment, reeds, playing with the NY Philharmonic, favorite clarinetists, and a host of other stories and topics. As many know, Stanley is a treasure trove of information and stories, and loves to share.
After the concert, at the artist's reception Ken Shaw and I again talked with Stanley as he related a number of amusing Philharmonic stories.
A few tidbits from Stanley (not quoted verbatim):
"Too many clarinetists are playing with reeds that are much too stiff. The reed has to be flexible to be able to sing"
"You cannot tongue clearly with a reed that will not vibrate freely"
"The problem with the newest generation of clarinetists is that they only have technique and no soul"
"Reed preparation? Basically very little. A bit of slow break-in and sometimes a bit of rush to thin the tip. Nothing else" (by the way - The reed he used for today's concert was a week old and had lots of vibrancy and color.
"The R-13 Bb clarinets he has used have worn out (he didn't use the term 'blow-out') thus he has replaced his a few times during his career. The A clarinets, which get used much less, hardly ever need replacing"
Stanley Drucker is still the real deal. His playing is both inspiring and mesmorizing. Many of us felt honored to watch a true living legend exemplify why he has earned the unanimous respect of musicians and conductors worldwide for over a half century. Here's hoping we can all retain our love for music at the age of 74...GBK
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