The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BlockEyeDan
Date: 2005-06-10 14:50
Hello all,
Being that it's been a work-filled summer that leaves me pondering all clarinet-related questions under the sun, I come to all of you wondering about this:
Given that in Stadler's day there was no mechanized/standardized manufacture of clarinets, I began to wonder about the phenomenon that was Anton Stadler. Was he an average clarinetist who had the benefit of a clarinet that happened to be superior to those around during that day, or was he an extraordinary musician who was able to overcome the technical limitations of the instruments of that day?
Any speculation and comment about this would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks all,
Dan
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-10 15:38
It would of course be complete speculation, but I think it is reasonable to assume that an extraordinary musician like Mozart would tend to keep the company of like-minded and similarly talented individuals. Well, and those who had a full liquor cabinet and deep pockets.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-06-10 16:47
Dan -
Stadler was a famous touring virtuoso. There's no doubt that he was an extraordinary musician, and, of course, it didn't hurt to have the exclusive right to perform the Mozart Concerto.
I don't agree that Stadler had to "overcome the technical limitations of the instruments of that day." I play the recorder seriously, and the lack of keys is a help, not a hindrance. Without keys, my fingerwork is faster and lighter than on clarinet. Extreme key signatures are quite difficult, but Mozart didn't use them. Last summer, I heard Eric Hoeprich do a flawless performance of the Mozart Quintet on his reproduction of the Riga program instrument. See http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Stadler.html
Ken Shaw
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-06-10 17:13
Stadler - he was a bum. Borrowed money from poor Mozart and didn't return manuscripts of the concerto and quintet, not to mention other lost or absconded clarinet and basset horn music. A bum he was.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-10 17:55
PotatO, PotAto
TomatO, TomAto
Bum, Clarinetist
I fail to see the distinction...
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-06-10 18:24
I have sworn testimony that, in fact, Stadler played contra-alto ophicleide, not clarinet as most people believe. He was reputed to be an extraordinary ophicleidist, though he drank a bit (Heineken, I believe it was). I got this from Dr. Hank Lehrer, who went to school with Stadler.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-06-10 18:24
Anton Stadler and his younger brother Johann (who was also a clarinetist), both performed numerous times together as soloists and in court orchestras and wind bands.
Anton Stadler, frequently played second clarinet to his younger brother playing first, because he had a particular fascination with the lower register of the clarinet.
- and we all know what eventually happened ...GBK
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-06-10 18:44
GBK and Dave S - Please dont leave us asking more questions !! There are many books on Mozart and his music, which will give various pieces of info re: the ?turbulent? relationship, musical and personal with the Stadlers. I suggest reading what Al Rice has unearthed in his "Cl in the Classical Period", prob. the most recent work. I'll do so, when my no-pay playing slows down, in a week or so. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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