 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2004-01-13 02:22
I am intrigued by Brahms' advice to "just make it beautiful." (or similar words to that effect). My understanding of this is that he wanted performers of his pieces to interpret his pieces at will, as long as they were played beautifully. I assume definitions of "beautiful" will vary over the years---"big" vs. "small" sound, "period" tones, instrument selection, vibrato, etc.
Any comments?
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-01-13 12:20
Having played Brahms in the past I realize it's very easy to just "play the notes". It's not simple stuff. But listening to more of his works in the intervening years I realize that he would want the phrases to sing, to be shaped into musical sentences, as a professional singer would. Brahm's life was full of internal conflicts, being passionate about music and about the love of his life, but he didn't want to relinquish his freedom as a single man even when Clara became available. So this passion and strength of conflicting feelings would naturally be reflected in his music.
As we mature as human beings and get buffetted by life's blows we can find it easier to understand the feelings that are inherent in not only Brahm's, but other music as well. There should be strength and likewise delicacy in our own playing - make the audience cry - or at least feel the music.
Another observation?
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-01-13 12:29
Brenda wrote: "I realize that [Brahms] would want the phrases to sing, to be shaped into musical sentences, as a professional singer would"
Indeed he would.
But I cannot think of a composer who would _not_ want this.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-13 12:58
I was thinking that too David. While Brahms said it in words, I'm sure everyone who writes a beautiful piece of music would want it it played, well, beautifully.
Of course it depends on the piece of music. I doubt that someone playing William Tell Overture would want it to be "beautifully". Maybe "thrilling", or "exciting", or "western movie-ish", but I don't think it'd sound too good being "beautiful".
So, it seems to me that Brahms just spoke what most composers would assume you already would think.
For a bad analogy, it'd be like me handing you the keys to my car and saying, "Just drive well." (I'd hope you would whether I told you or not)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-01-13 14:29
The opening measures of Brahms' 4th are beautiful to me each time I hear them regardless of what orchestra is playing them. Very well put,Brenda.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-01-13 22:22
Brahms is often mistaken as a highly romantic composer. Yes, he fits into the romantic era but, if you study his music (sonatas, symphonies) he oftentimes adheres to strict classical patterns. His horn written was very much in favour of the old fashioned valveless horn even though valed horns had been around for a few years. He had a supreme understanding of how instruments worked and his clarinet writting (especially in the 3rd symphony is without equal for shear beauty - compared to Schuman, Schubert, Mendelssohn or even Wagner - all contemporaries) is just devine.
I think the idea of playing his music with huge amounts of rubato or vibrato (in the case of the violin concerto or sonatas) is just plain ugly. You do not need to over emphasise the tempi, dynamics et cetera to show you understand his music. Brenda is spot on ... just speak to a trained singer about phrasing and you'll understand an approach to adopt.
I dislike the Julliard-Dorothy DeLay violinists' playing of either the Tchaikovsky or Brahms Violin Concertos because they ALL SOUND THE SAME. Give the music your own voice, find your own niche in interpretation.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2004-01-13 22:25)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-01-14 14:29
Brenda and diz both speak to a technique that I too believe in. That is, playing the clarinet as if you were singing and with phrasing that I liken to that of Frank Sinatra as a prime example. Singers can "bend" notes without the restriction of clarinet fingerings. To me bending notes is like a one or two note gliss.....with or without vibrato.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-01-14 15:03
Brahms' advice to "just make it beautiful."
Amen!! "If it sounds good, it is good"--musicianship class 101, "professor" Duke Ellington
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Author: William
Date: 2004-01-16 14:51
"Strangely enough, the less "beautifully" I try to play a piece, the more beautiful it sounds."
True--some things can be overdone. The old adage, "less is more" often applies--except for Cool Whip on anything.
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