Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2005-06-20 13:36
Hi All;
Having played our Naumburg Orchestra concert at NYC's Central Park last night, I have some questions for you.
We featured two soloists who are both Naumburg Award winners from past years. One was a violinist who played the Bernstein Serenade, the other was Charlie Neidich, the famous clarinet soloist, who played the Copland Concerto.
Here's my question:
Are you aware there are a least 2 versions of the Copland Concerto? It seems Neidich has found an old score and notes from Copland with some changes from the printed edition dedicated to Benny Goodman. Goodman, as the story goes, asked for certain changes to be made to make the Concerto more playable for him. Since it was dedicated to Benny, Copland made the changes. Then along comes Neidich, finds the original score at the Library of Congress, and decides to put back in the "original" notes and changes.
The performance last night featured those changes.
I have never heard the Concerto played any differently than the printed edition we all have. I've performed it quite a few times, and added a few scoops, bends, and a jazz feel to various sections of the piece. But I pretty much stick to the printed page. Neidich, on the other hand, changed lots of notes, played some of the cadenza much higher than written, and added some completely new notes to other sections of the Concerto. Interesting, to say the least!
He seemed to be having fun, the audience loved it, and I was surprised by his additions to a piece I know well.
I'm just wondering if any of you were there last night, and what your reactions were to Neidich's performance?
Charlie and I had a nice chat after the performance and he seemed pleased with his work. I, of course, told him I was thrilled the clarinet was getting so much exposure with his playing, and grateful to have heard him in a live performance after so many years.
So, any thoughts or comments?
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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