 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: hard_reede
Date: 2005-01-19 23:56
Can anyone advise on the correct performing style for "Can't Help Loving Dat Man" in Kern's Show Boat (concert band arrangement by Bennett)? Should the eighth notes in this number be played in a "swing" style where two eighth notes are played like a triplet quarter-eighth, or should the eighth notes be played straight? Thanks for any input,
hard_reede
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2005-01-20 00:06
Hi hard_reede:
Your conductor should really answer that question. Many different styles have been tried on that "Golden Age" show.
Showboat opened in 1927 at the Ziegfeld here in NYC. I don't believe they were into "swing" style at that time. Many later productions, including the one I did in 1994, did require just a bit of "swing" style.
Again, it's up to your theater director and conductor.
Good luck, it's a classic.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: hard_reede
Date: 2005-01-20 00:13
JJM, thanks for the reply. I am the conductor! - hence my desire to try to resolve this interpretational issue. As you point out, Show Boat predates swing. McGlinn's recording seems to swing it a little, which sounds like what you did in the performances you participated in. Great music, though!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-01-20 10:36
Maybe "Swing" per se is not the musically correct term. The title itself and the singer give the clue in my opinion. I have seen all the available movies and videos available...it's my alltime favorite musical...Perhaps the best way to decide is to review these recorded past performances. Didn't both "Jazz" and "Swing" develop from the African-American precedents?
Bob Draznik
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-01-20 22:14
If it's Bennett, I would interpret and play it ala roaring 20s or trad swing ... almost a square 6/8-ish feel, (i.e. Suite of Old American Dances and/or Symphonic Songs for Band). Of course, the tempo will also influence the underlying 8th-note pulse so whatever makes the most musical sense and isn't awkward. v/r Ken
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Author: diz
Date: 2005-01-20 23:55
John J.
You make a good point "not being into the swing style at the time" ... it would be interesting to hear an historic recording of this wonderful show from the era ...
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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