The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-28 15:20
Last evening the Philadelphia Orchestra performed an all Strauss program at Carnegie Hall. It was broadcast on PBS.
Ricardo sounded spectacular, as usual. Anyone else tune in? ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-10-28 15:51
I agree that it was a wonderful evening. They performed beautifully, as one would expect. My disappointment was in the fact that they didn't show the clarinets nearly enough. But, even through the limits of my Sony bigscreen, they sounded wonderful.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2004-10-28 19:15
GBK is a bit mistaken about the facts of this concert. It was held on October 6 - thus the broadcast was taped, not live. Additionally, a full dress run-through was held earlier so that any mistakes during the concert could be edited out for the broadcasts. Those who missed yesterday's broadcast may see it repeated on PBS October 31.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brad
Date: 2004-10-28 19:31
Great concert. It was broadcast in HD and Dolby 5.1 and was spectacular in both sight and sound.
One question though. I noticed that during Don Quixote that several of the Bass Clarinet passages were doubled by what looked like a baritone horn. I have heard the piece many times and don't remember hearing a baritone horn doubling the bass clarinet. They were even sitting next to each other. I don't have score handy so anyone out there know if that's the way it was written?
Thanks,
Brad Cohen
Clarinetist
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2004-10-28 19:36
Caught the very, very end, the closing section of Don Quixote.
Yo Yo Ma was equisite. He's just an amazing guy both to hear and to watch. Edited or not, the final clarinet solos were equally magnificent.
I wonder how it's ratings fared against that damnable "wife swapping" show on ABC?
BP
Post Edited (2004-10-28 19:36)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-10-28 19:37
I believe that the part of Don Quixote is played by bass clarinet and tenor tuba (I think --- probably a euphonium is used most of the time) in unison --- is correct?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-10-28 20:20
I never knew cellists could be so dramatic to watch! Now I know why our principle cellist isn't world famous.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: musica
Date: 2004-10-28 20:47
So when did Ricardo Morales start wearing the neck strap?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kevin
Date: 2004-10-28 20:48
Always fun to watch one with as much stage presence as Mr. Ma.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Camanda
Date: 2004-10-28 21:12
I must admit that I only caught parts of it (as both Game 4 of the World Series and the second episode of The West Wing's sixth season were on at that time), but I'm pleased to hear it will be repeated.
Amanda Cournoyer
URI Clarinet Ensemble, Bass Clarinet
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kevin
Date: 2004-10-28 22:10
Camanda wrote:
> I must admit that I only caught parts of it (as both Game 4 of
> the World Series and the second episode of The West Wing's
> sixth season were on at that time), but I'm pleased to hear it
> will be repeated.
>
Yeah, it was tough to be paying complete attention to the concert when the world series was playing a couple of flicks away and the moon was eclipsing right outside the window.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: diz
Date: 2004-10-28 22:23
GBK what was on the program?
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: diz
Date: 2004-10-28 23:39
GBK - how lovely - a wonderful concert with America's most respected soprano. Ms Fleming has given concerts here, too ... we love her very much.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DAVE
Date: 2004-10-29 02:27
Okay, there has to be at least one in every crowd, someone to poo-poo the concert a little, and this time it'll be me. I tuned in at the end of the Four Last Songs and saw all of Don Quiote. I found this to be a rather listless and somewhat boring concert. Yo-Yo was good, but the orchestra just didn't sparkle the way the NY Philharmonic or the CSO does. No fire in the brass section, and tuning issues issues in every section. The bass clarinet was, IMO, wretched--big and HONKY!! Morales played nicely, nothing spectacular. Of course this piece doesn't have all that much for 1st clarinet besides a few little solos.
I thought the principal bassoon was terrific!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: diz
Date: 2004-10-29 05:31
Everyone's an expert ... I don't know how an orchestra CAN sparkle, unless they're wearing crystal ear-rings. Sparkle is a visual term in my dictionary, not an auditory one.
And, the Philly has a bad hair day at this broadcast concert from NY. Big deal, they are, afterall human, aren't they?
No criticism like THAT would ever stop me choosing them over any other american orchestra if I'm stumped for choice and want an american recording.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: CPW
Date: 2004-10-29 12:33
If one is playing the role of Sancho's donkey wouldnt it be stylistic to be "honky"
Also consider the mic-ing. etc.
I guess the bass is rueben but couldnt see at all.
I think ein heldenleben was excellent and the brass sparkled there.
Too much R Strauss for one evening though. One J Strauss might have made it more fun for a wider audience.
If Eshenbach can conduct in his PJs why does the orch wear tails?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ben
Date: 2004-10-29 17:08
Regarding Riccardo's use of a neck strap: over the last 4 years whenever I have seen him perform, he has been using one (BG, I think). With good reason, IT TAKES A LOT OF WEIGHT OF YOUR RIGHT THUMB! If you play/practice a lot, you should use whatever makes you the most comfortable.
Having used a neck strap the last few years myself, I can say that I find it a terrific tool, and having no drawbacks. It seems to add a freedom to the right hand and fingers that you don't reach as easily if you are having to hold the instrument for long periods.
I have started noticing neckstraps becoming more and more popular with current and aspiring professionals.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jmsa
Date: 2004-10-29 20:25
Earlier this year I went to a concert given by the Brubeck Brothers that featured musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra playing jazz. Ricardo was spectacular as was the other wind players. They included the first oboe, the first bassoon, the first french horn and the first flute. It was indeed a very special treat.
jmsa
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BobD
Date: 2004-10-29 20:41
I guess I fell asleep just before the last piece as I missed YoYo Man. The shots of Ricardo prior to that were too quick to see much of him....or hear much of him ..and..I only saw one "straight" clarinet which was his. I agree on the dress code. What's the point in having to dress uncomfortably in this day and age. Thought Eshenbach's attire was excellent..and looked comfortable. Have to agree on too much R.Strauss though. Liked the one violinist's hairdo....looked like a brillo pad.
Bob Draznik
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-10-29 21:14
If Ricardo is using the Selmer Recital clarinet with the Backun barrel and bell (as reported on an earlier bb thread), that's a weighty combo. No wonder he's using a strap. And, to his credit for doing so. That way he'll probably extend his career a while.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-29 23:12
Brenda Siewert wrote:
> If Ricardo is using the Selmer Recital clarinet with the Backun
> barrel and bell
In this concert Ricardo was using the Selmer Recital barrel. The camera never got a close enough shot to see the bell ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2004-10-30 00:23
Sorry I missed it, Boston was on another channel.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-10-30 15:31
RM switches barrels frequently
He tested one of my clarinetconcepts cocobolo barrels briefly, 63.2mm with a 0.56+ bore, which was not resistant enough for him.
He is a very powerful player and employs a high resistance set-up.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tim P
Date: 2004-11-01 14:41
OK since we are on the topic of the concert......Can someone tell me what the instrutment that was stationed back by the percussion was? I t was a long horn like looking thing with a hand crank. Look like it belong on the alps calling sheep. I think I could tell the sound that it was making but of course I can not write a sound.
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: edk
Date: 2004-11-01 17:50
I did not see the concert that night on TV - but I am also a performing percussionist. I believe what you saw was a "wind machine" - used often for sound effects in plays. I've actually played that part in Don Quixote before. The machine consists of a large cylinder connected to a hand crank. The cylinder has pointed boards all around the outside and rubs aginst a coarsley woven or ribbed material when the crank is turned to create the wind effect.
Most large / full time orchestras usually have one of their own made by stagehands/percussionists -not available at WWBW, ebay, etc.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-11-01 18:28
"when the crank is turned to create the wind effect.
Most large / full time orchestras usually have one of their own made by stagehands/percussionists -not available at WWBW, ebay, etc."
but Available from most POLITICIANS.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tom J.
Date: 2004-11-02 21:18
Here's my take on the concert:
Eschenbach : I've followed his career since he was a concertizing pianist. He did wonders with the HSO. Probably the best conductor now working in America. I was hoping he would get the BSO instead.
Rene Fleming : a wonderful voice, perfect for Strauss 4LS, my favorite in this repertoire: Arleen Auger.
PO strings : nice transparent sound that is unforced.
Principal oboist : The most impressive woodwind player in the orchestra.
Ricardo : Very fine playing, but the sound is a little bright for me.
Yo Yo Ma : A very fine player but his stage antics are annoying.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: CPW
Date: 2004-11-03 00:21
TomJ: RicM sounded Bright to you?? hooboy.
I Never thought I would ever hear the B word applied to Morales.
(I almost typed RM instead of spelling out the name.... see below:)
Perhaps we should establish standard initials.
A simple RM could be either Robt Marcellus OR Ricardo Morales ..... so how about RM and RicM.
Both great either way you spell it.
Then there is Reed Machine RM of Dilutis. Hey....mebbe we onto somethin' here.
The reverse initials are MR which could be watizname in Pittsburgh.
mucho edits....cant type after voting i rekkin.
Against the windmills of my mind
The jousting pole splinters
Post Edited (2004-11-03 00:23)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-11-03 12:17
----------------------------------------
If Ricardo is using the Selmer Recital clarinet with the Backun barrel and bell (as reported on an earlier bb thread), that's a weighty combo. No wonder he's using a strap. And, to his credit for doing so. That way he'll probably extend his career a while.
----------------------------------------
The backun setup isn't what is heavy - It's the Clarinet itself. I was taken aback when I held it as it is so heavy. Felt almost like a basset clarinet!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clargoddess
Date: 2004-11-03 21:16
ok
Did anyone notice how Ricardo puffed his cheeks? He sounded great, but the cheek puffing kind of had me on the edge of my seat. I would have liked to see more clarinet shots from the camera man. Yo-Yo Ma was awesome. I was mezmorized by his stage presence and playing ability.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: CPW
Date: 2004-11-03 23:57
I dont think that he was puffing cheeks out in the Dizzy Gillespie sense.
I think he has "prominent" jowls and you were seeing the effect of the muscles underneath making the cheek outline more noticeable.
More basset than greyhound.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JTS
Date: 2004-11-04 02:31
CPW is correct. I can assure you Mr. Morales was not puffing out his cheeks. Just a lot of muscles in there!!!
JTS
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|