 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DougR
Date: 2008-01-05 14:28
Hi all--
Need some help & suggestions here!
Just saw the DVD of Leonard Bernstein conducting a 1984 recording of West Side Story with Jose Carreras, Tiri Te Kanawa, et al. I thought the DVD was fascinating, such high-level playing and singing, under immense pressure (peer pressure, time pressure, Lenny pressure). I recommend the DVD to anyone (especially if you can get it from your local library, as I did).
Here's the thing: the singers were all identified in the credits, down to the least-involved chorus member. The orchestra was described, though, as a "pickup orchestra" -- and left unidentified. Outrageous, right??
I want to know who the reed and brass players were, because their playing was stellar. I thought I recognized Al Regni, who presumably was responsible for the gorgeous alto solo we all know, but I don't have "face recognition" of other NY reed players from back then.
Any suggestions as to how to find out who they all were? Deutsche Grammophon is utterly useless on this score, by the way.
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Author: Tara
Date: 2008-01-05 19:56
I own this DVD and have enjoyed watching it many times... I always felt bad for Carreras. Bernstein seemed pretty frustrated with him at times. I love it when he says "that boy's got problems".
I too have always been curious about the wind players.
Tara
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Author: DougR
Date: 2008-01-06 03:26
I just answered my own question! (perspicacious googling yields results, in this case if you google "Al Regni" +West Side Story.)
Here's a link:
http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/f145/west-side-story-23885.html
it's a trumpet webring, and the thread is on Wilmer Wise, who (it turns out) is the trumpeter Lenny called (during the recording) "our genius lead trumpet".
Here's the personnel, per Wilmer (sorry, it leaves the strings & perc. out)
"The sessions were each 3 hours long. We recorded at the 44th street RCA studios. The studio temperature was below zero, this played a big role in the performance of the vocal parts. [the singers, esp. Tiri Te Kanawa, were having vocal issues]
"The orchestra was incredible. I will name the woodwinds and brass players.
Flutes- Julius Baker and Harvey Estrin
Oboe- Ronald Roseman
Bassoon- Donald Mac Court
Clarinets- Al Regni, Les Scott
Saxophones-
Alto-Seymour Red Press
Tenor-George Marge
Baritone- John Campo
Bass-Wally Kane
Trumpets- Wilmer Wise, Phil Ruecktenwald, David Gale
Trombones- Douglas Edelman, Larry Benz
Horns-Paul Ingraham, Robert Carlise
"Why we did not get album credits is beyond me.
Wilmer"
ME TOO, WILMER!! calling that group a "pickup orchestra" is like calling the Berlin Philharmonic an "oompah band."
Just as an aside, there are brief shots of Al and Les Scott playing both soprano and bass clarinets.
Hey, this internet, is it something or WHAT!!??
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2008-01-06 12:05
>>Hey, this internet, is it something or WHAT!!??>>
Indeed, and thank you, DougR and David Blumberg--you've just supplied me with links to information I'll be glad to have for the chapter on juvenile delinquents in the book I'm writing on dark musicals.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: DougR
Date: 2008-01-07 01:59
***ADDENDUM***
I sent Wilmer's recollections on to Al Regni, and just heard back from HIM:
"Thanks for your notes on the West Side Story Dates. It's hard to believe that that was 23 plus years ago.
"Wilmer's recollection of the reeds was not quite accurate. I don't remember who all of the Brass players were but I do remember the reeds.
Flutes: Julius Baker, Andy Lolya, Harvey Estrin (all now deceased)
Oboe and English Horn: Ronald Roseman (deceased)
Clarinets: Al Regni (Clarinet, Eb Clar, and Bass Clar.), Les Scott (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet)
George Marge(deceased) (Clarinet, Bass Clar..) John Campo(Clarinet and Bass Clar.)
Bassoon: Donald MacCourt
Alto Sax: Seymour "Red" Press
Tenor Sax: David Tofani
*BASS Sax : Wally Kane ****(There is no Baritone Sax in the original score)
These names I am 100 % sure of.... Hope this helps,
Best regards, Al Regni"
What a gentleman!
Just to be accurate, though, there WAS a bar. sax in the DVD, probably at a session Al didn't make. I'm going to assume Wilmer is right about it being John Campo.
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