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 Russianoff clarinet method
Author: donald 
Date:   2005-07-19 01:56

does anyone know if these two books are still being printed- i have been told that they are "out of print" which would be a great loss to the clarinet world
donald

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: GBK 
Date:   2005-07-19 02:03

The Russianoff Clarinet Method (Books 1 and 2) were one of the most comprehensive and well thought out exercise books for the clarinet, but unfortunately, they are long out of print. It is rare, but occasionally these have shown up on used book sites or eBay. All attempts or inquiries to have them republished have not been successful.

It is one of the FEW (if not the only) method that stresses exercises, scales, technique, clarinet fundamentals, etc... and relates it to specific solo and orchestral repertoire. This is one method book which the clarinet community needs back in print...GBK

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-07-19 02:13

Personally I feel that copyright should be "use it or loose it" - with a 5 year window.

Unfortunately it isn't............



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: GBK 
Date:   2005-07-19 02:17

The Russianoff Method Books are the Kaspars of the exercise book world.

Those that have them are hoarding them or asking outrageous prices for them.

BTW - Mine are not for sale...GBK

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-07-19 02:38

the New York Public Library Performing Arts Division has copies of it in circulation, but I think they really disappeared a while ago. I once came across a volume while browsing the stacks and actually borrowed and returned it. what an idiot.

the Research Division also has copies you can order and read at the Library, and they might even let you copy some pages, but not the whole thing unless you get permission from the publisher (whoever that was)

Does ICA have them in their loan collection?

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-07-19 02:39

funny how things have a way of disappearing around here...

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: hartt 
Date:   2005-07-19 03:18

I echo GBK. I have several sets and they, too, are not for sale. [whoa]

GBK and me are like Marines......the chosen few [happy]

The books were published in 1982, long after I took lessons with leon (1964-1968). Interestingly, many, many, many of his hand written notations (some almost illegible) in my various study books and solo pieces are the same notations used in the lessons plans within the books.

The books represent his lifetime of clarinet knowledge playing and teaching.

now go practice

regards
dennis

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: donald 
Date:   2005-07-19 10:34

these two books have been stolen from the Auckland public library, which is quite amazing given the fact that with our small population we only have a handful of truly dedicated "clarinet nerds"
i have my suspicion who nicked them (there is a pattern of clarinet nerd stuff being stolen, but i have no way of proving it)

i was talking to a colleague the other day and said that i think the undergad students should have to buy both volumes and not graduate until they've got through it all.
what can we do to get them back in print????????
donald

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-07-19 10:45

I have my signed copies.



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-07-19 11:43

Hey, let's start a thread of "Who has the Russianoff Method (but won't share with anybody else)?"

So far we've got:

GBK
hartt
Blumberg

anyone else?

alternatively, you could include these volumes in your equipment lists under "Name your Equipment"

I bet Tony Pay doesn't have 'em (and he wouldn't want them either).

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: msloss 
Date:   2005-07-19 11:55

Got 'em too, right from the man. I make them available to my students along with the Bonade books as good "homework".

Good luck convincing anyone to republish them. They are very big, and probably fraught with copyright issues because they are littered with excerpts. The market probably isn't big enough to offset the cost and pain of doing it. Someone would have to take it on as a labor of love.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: hartt 
Date:   2005-07-19 13:53

BTW......for those unaware....these books are not something one totes around in their clarinet case.
Both volumes combined are 416 pages [whoa]

now go practice

regards
dennis

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-07-19 14:32

the complete Klose in my case is giving me back pains

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2005-07-19 16:38

There was some discussion a couple of years ago about approaching Leon's widow to get the books back in print. See http://test.woodwind.org/Databases/Klarinet/1995/10/000132.txt and similar messages you can find with the search function from here and the Klarinet list.

Apparently nothing came of it, probably, as msloss says, because of the copyright clearing problems.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: diz 
Date:   2005-07-19 22:33

GBK - with your 'bottomless pit' knowledge of all things clarinet. Perhaps you should write your own version of the Russianoff including (non-copyright) excerpts et cetera? (I'm not joking ...)

Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: hartt 
Date:   2005-07-20 01:23

for Ken.........

Leon's widow, Penelope (his second wife), passed away in 2000 at the age of 83. She was institutionalized with alzheimers for a lengthy period.

Surving is their daughter who, seemingly, wants nothing to do with this aspect of her father's / parent's life/career.

Copyright laws preclude reprinting until the Right of Domain takes effect. I am, however, unaware of the years stipulated by that law.......but I do know it won't be soon.
Even then, the publisher, Macmillan, would need substantial justification to 'start up the presses'.

now go practice (no, not you, Ken)

dennis

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Terry Stibal 
Date:   2005-07-20 02:40

Life plus seventy five years, right? I seem to remember this coming up a few years back when the Copyright Acts were changed to benefit the holders.

Although you might disagree with this, you have the satisfaction that any of your creations are covered in the same way...

My wife spent three or four hours with Leon at the Richmond VA ICA event back in the 1980's. Nice, funny guy, and one who was open to a lot of different ideas. His good works still stand as a monument to his life.

leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-07-20 12:29

------------------------------------
Although you might disagree with this, you have the satisfaction that any of your creations are covered in the same way...
-------------------------------------


No, if I sat on them I wouldn't "deserve" that protection - just my opinion.





"the needs of many outweigh the needs of the few" - the bible (southpark quote)



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Tony Pay 2017
Date:   2005-07-20 12:41

larryb wrote:

>> I bet Tony Pay doesn't have 'em (and he wouldn't want them either).>>

I don't know what makes you say that. I do indeed have them. I'm not completely ignorant, you know.

See, for example:

http://test.woodwind.org/Databases/Klarinet/2005/04/000172.txt

(It looks a bit funny, because apostrophes appear as question marks.)

Tony

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-07-20 13:05

Russianoff was a great legend to many and a charlatan to many others.


The books that I like the best which are in print are:


The Clarinet Doctor by Howard Klug. Woodwindiana, Inc., SB, 117 pages.

The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet - Second Edition by Thomas Ridenour

The New Extended Working Range for Clarinet by Kalmen Opperman

and

The Working Clarinetist by Peter Hadcock. Roncorp Publications


http://www.vcisinc.com/clarinet.htm VanCott (a sponsor here) has em all.



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-07-20 14:12

tony p,

just trying to draw you out - you'd been quiet for a while

cheese is not the only kind of bait, you know

I like the Working Clarinetist by Hadcock

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2005-07-20 16:16

Russianoff was a great teacher. I had the good fortune to play for him in a master class several years ago (I did Shepherd on the Rock) and learned a tremendous amount from his work with my playing and with the other players. He had amazing flexibility to match his coaching to exactly what each player needed, and what could be accomplished in the 20 minutes available.

He was an important personality who knew his worth and liked attention. I was at a recital where he showed up wearing a fluorescent red hat, with students clustering around him. He made some enemies, but considering the great number of top players he taught, I don't think anyone would doubt his ability.

His wife's illness and his daughter's lack of interest probably explain why the method hasn't been reissued. Perhaps his daughter could be persuaded to let it be done (with, of course, her permission and payment of royalties).

Ken Shaw

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-07-20 16:40

I played the Debussy Rhapsodie in his Masterclass in Baltimore (Clarfest 86) and also took a private lesson with him.

He was very good.

His shop in NYC was in an "interesting" place.



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Hiroshi 
Date:   2005-07-21 08:20

Amazon US seems to have copies of Book I and II.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Leon%20Russianoff/102-2652622-3292967

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: mkybrain 
Date:   2005-07-21 08:44

It also seems that it is "currently unavailable". You had me excited though.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Hiroshi 
Date:   2005-07-21 08:58

Sorry it is now unavailable.
You may find libraries near you which have copies at this URL.
http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/top3mset/66be54d81a0142d5.html

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Joel K. 
Date:   2005-07-22 02:51

It circulates in the Los Angeles Central Public Library (for those in LA):

Call # 78.560 R969
Author Russianoff, Leon.
Title(s) Clarinet method /
Leon Russianoff.
Publisher New York : Schirmer Books ; London : Collier Macmillan Publishers, c1982.
Paging 2 v. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Subject Headings Clarinet Methods.
Format qEnglish Score

Where to find it
Agency Availability Call Number Status
Central Library - Art & Recreation Dept. CIRC 78.560 R969 v. 2 Checked out


BTW I have my own set.



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Jesse123 
Date:   2009-06-20 19:44

Hello all i dont know if anyone looks at this website anymore and if you do then good because Leon Russianoff was my grandpa he passed away when i turned 1. i would like to say that i do have the book and am willing to make copies of it for the ones in need. please if you need one e-mail me.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2009-06-20 20:22

Great news!!

http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com


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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: clariknight 
Date:   2009-06-20 20:54

Jesse123 wrote:

"Hello all i dont know if anyone looks at this website anymore and if you do then good because Leon Russianoff was my grandpa he passed away when i turned 1. i would like to say that i do have the book and am willing to make copies of it for the ones in need. please if you need one e-mail me."

If this for real/ legal? If so, sign me up.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Mark Charette 
Date:   2009-06-20 21:17

Jesse123 wrote:

> Hello all i dont know if anyone looks at this website anymore
> and if you do then good because Leon Russianoff was my grandpa
> he passed away when i turned 1. i would like to say that i do
> have the book and am willing to make copies of it for the ones
> in need. please if you need one e-mail me.

This would be great if the estate gives you permission to make/give out the copies. Let us know the results (you should have better access to whoever handled the estate than us if you're who you actually represent yourself to be).

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: duxburyclarinetguy 
Date:   2009-06-20 22:28

Though I never studied with him, I would love a copy. Thanks in advance.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: UK sixth form clari 
Date:   2009-06-21 10:22

Back in the day I tried several times to get a copy from the man himself, but he was always rushin' off

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2009-06-23 18:07

The reason he was such a great teacher, and person by the way, was that he was so opened minded. Much different than so many teachers today. He looked for what worked best for his students. Every student didn't have to play the same way on the same equipment or the same reed or the same embouchure or the same anything. That's why so many of his students sound differently, he didn't try to make clones like so many teachers try to do. By the way, I'm the Eddie he listed in the front of his book. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: rossbu 
Date:   2009-06-24 09:52

I have both and found them to be the best true method/with explanations that I have ever seen.


Burt

bross141@comcast.net

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: clarinet@55 
Date:   2009-06-25 07:32

How much would you charge for books I &II (plus shipping?

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Tom Puwalski 
Date:   2009-06-26 00:39

I have 2 xerox copies of book 1 and 2. Email me off board. Tom Puwalski

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Dharma 
Date:   2011-11-05 12:04

Seen this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Study-Analysis-Russianoffs-Clarinet-Method/dp/1244033715/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320494327&sr=1-6

Maybe looks promising?

-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2011-11-05 14:58

There was talk several years ago about reissuing the Russianoff method, but difficulties arose, and as far as I know it never came out.

Part of Masiello's dissertation is available on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=NZPIyFzykEkC&pg=PA9&lpg=PA9&dq=masiello+russianoff&source=bl&ots=g-0Qm7pvpj&sig=UUzH-xtw2p9rlg1fYJe8Q10xoxI&hl=en&ei=x0e1ToymLKby2QWDwb3ODQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=masiello%20russianoff&f=false.

Phone numbers for Masiello and Robert Spring are given at p. 29 of http://books.google.com/books?id=NZPIyFzykEkC&pg=PA9&lpg=PA9&dq=masiello+russianoff&source=bl&ots=g-0Qm7pvpj&sig=UUzH-xtw2p9rlg1fYJe8Q10xoxI&hl=en&ei=x0e1ToymLKby2QWDwb3ODQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=masiello%20russianoff&f=false. The number for Masiello appears to be current.

The dissertation says that there is a Part II, which is a 5-volume annotated version of Russianoff's original 2 volumes, but Part II is not included in the University Microfilms edition, and I haven't found any other source for it. It may be available from Masiello.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: dtiegs 
Date:   2011-11-05 15:24

Are these method books for advanced players? or advancing players? Meaning is it for accomplished players to become even better with practice? or is not for students who still haven't graduated high school?

DTiegs


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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2011-11-05 15:33

They are simply Leon's method of teaching set down in print. He used some home spun melodic riffs as well as many established orchestral excerpts to teach FROM THE GROUND UP. Anyone can use them; EVERYONE can benefit. The only 'problem' is that the methodology can be seen as somewhat unorthodox.



.................Paul Aviles



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Dharma 
Date:   2011-11-14 22:22

I bought the Masiello book from Amazon to see if it gave any clues. Sadly it does.

It seems that for him to complete his dissertation, his derivative work had to be in public circulation. To this end, Sylvia Russianoff granted him license to reproduce and distribute his 5 volume updated version, but only through to the end of 2005. After 31/12/05, all rights were reverted.

Masiellos derivative work was a reorganisation of the original 2 volumes into 5 smaller volumes, each containing updates based on hand written notes by Russianoff himself in the copies of the method belonging to one or two of his students.

I suspect that the 5 volume edition was probably never actually produced as anything other than a very limited run of perhaps a handful off copies, just to satisfy the requirements of Masiellos degree. It may never have been actually in print at all, if just the existence of the license was sufficient to satisfy the University requirements.

Also, I should say that the book from Amazon is just a print on demand copy of the microfilm archive of Masiellos submission. It contains little of real interest, and is quite badly reproduced, with a couple of missing pages, some text omitted in random places, and completely obscured photographs. Only really to be recommended to academics engaged in research in this area.

-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: clairmusic 
Date:   2011-11-15 14:20

amazon. com $60



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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Dharma 
Date:   2011-11-15 15:54

But they won't ship to the UK :(
There's a copy on .co.uk as well, but they want £95 which is more like $150, and that's just too much for me at my stage of learning.

-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.

Post Edited (2011-11-15 15:59)

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2011-11-17 18:02

I think to really benefit from Leon's teaching method you had to be there because he taught every student differently. He didn't really have a "method" as such. When he was writing the books he asked all his students, past and present, to submit to him the things he wrote or said to them so he could compile them into his books. I don't think he ever told two students how to play the same thing the same way. I don't necessarily mean phrasing but how to approach it etc. That's what made him such a great teacher. ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-17 21:54

A few questions for Ed P.,

I never met Mr. Russianoff, but have always heard him spoken of with high regards. As I have heard he was an exceedingly able teacher- one that found a way to draw out of a student what they themselves needed to experience.

As you stated, and you do have the first-hand knowledge that I lack, you had to be there to benefit from his work as he taught every student differently.- or "he didn't have a 'method' as such" as you stated.

With this notion in mind, why did he publish a methodology as such?

How can someone apply his books in their own development without the context that only he could provide? Was this written only to be used by his former/current students?

I wholeheartedly agree that each student learns in their own personal manner that need be fostered by their instructor, or maintaining an "open mind". Yet, doesn't publishing a methodology contradict on some level that notion of an "open mind?"

It could be misconstrued as saying "keep an 'open mind' as long as you open your mind in the Russianoff way" to those of us that did not have the fortune to know the man.

I wish not to degrade the man, but simply place his books in some context. And perhaps have those who seek them out as gospel to perhaps reason why for themselves.

(I own them, but currently not right at hand, for full disclosure.)

-Jason

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Dharma 
Date:   2011-11-17 22:19

Ed:

I suspect that is true of all good teachers in all fields. But if these teachers didn't write books, those of us not fortunate enough to have known them personally would be missing out. Obviously we don't get the best of them, perhaps not even a true reflection of them in life. But a good book will stand on its own, separate from the direct personal experience, and perhaps very different from it.

In science this is exemplified by Richard Feynman who was an amazing teacher to have (by all accounts) for ones physics degree. His written lectures don't necessarily catch the spirit of the man, and certainly don't catch his ability to get the best out of each individual student. And yet his 'Ten Lectures' is lauded as one of the greatest books on physics ever penned.

Buster:

I think it's up to the reader to place books in context.

If someone takes a book, any book, as dogma, then the fault is at least as much that of the reader as it is the author.

When someone is an acknowledged expert in a field, I don't think it necessarily implies closed mindedness to write down ones thoughts and ideas.

Offerings made in this way are just that: offerings. The reader is free to take or leave what they read. If no expert in any field ever wrote anything down for fear of being taken dogmatically, we'd be in a world with no textbooks on any subject.

As for people who take individual teachings as 'gospel', I agree with you that it is up to them to ask themselves why they choose to do so, should they choose to ask themselves!

As for me, I was seeking the books because it was the first (and so far only) method for clarinet I had heard of, so I fancied having a look. But not to the point of paying £65 for a tatty second hand copy!

-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-17 23:20

Dharma,

Your take on where the Russianoff books is where they need lie- it is unfortunately not where all others hold them. Nor other methodologies published by deceased instructors.

By asking what I did I was not attacking, but attempting to elicit a questioning view in others when approaching a methodology to a subjective experience- as codified by another. The value is not diminished, but rather placed in a proper context so what Can accurately be gleaned becomes more evident.



The mention of the work of Feynman is a bit out of place however; what it ultimately speaks of is not in the same language of musical methodology.

-Firstly, his work lies in the realm of quantum mechanics/electrodynamics which may seem theoretical (or subjective) on the surface. Yet, they lie in the provable realm of mathematics, and thus, can ultimately only be spoken of in that language.

His published lectures are a great achievement, yet re-read the preface of the first volume; what he speaks to differs greatly from that of the subjective realm of clarinetistry; or published methods.

-Secondly, re-read a the transcription of his commencement address speaking of The Cargo Cult of Science.

http://calteches.library.caltech.edu/51/2/CargoCult.pdf

Sadly, many practitioners of clarinetristy, even professionals (whatever that really means at its' essence) fall on the "incorrect" side of which he speaks.



That his lectures, in person, clearly illuminated a mathematically quantifiable "idea" (for which he did win the Nobel Prize in Physics) should be lauded. His written "lectures" also speak of said matters, yet ultimately in a precise language of mathematics . We do not have access that to form of written expression in the "art of music; or of the clarinet."

Lest we keep building landing strips hoping that some knowledge will land in our personal clarinet village.

I apologize but a context is needed at times.

-Jason

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Dharma 
Date:   2011-11-17 23:47

I didn't perceive your original post as an attack on anyone or anything, but I think I saw it as you intended it: a genuine and probing set of questions.

I understand your view on my mention of Feynman to an extent, but disagree with your suggestin that as his lectures fall within the realm of physics/math, and deal with subjects that are provable, they can only be talked about in that context. I don't really want to drag the thread too far from clarinetistry, but the point I was trying to make is that a teacher can produce a written work that is far removed from the experience of direct one-to-one tuition, and yet still have value.

It's nearly 1 AM here, but I will read the Cargo Cult of Science (you do me too much honour in suggesting I 're' read it :-)

-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Tony M 
Date:   2011-11-17 23:59

Jason,

I agree that placing things in context is a good thing, but at the same time I'm aware that I can't think of many people that would argue against context. But you ask a few questions that seem to stray from the notion of context and go towards the question of authorship and intention and that's what I would like to address.

You said, 'How can someone apply his books in their own development without the context that only he could provide? Was this written only to be used by his former/current students?

I wholeheartedly agree that each student learns in their own personal manner that need be fostered by their instructor, or maintaining an "open mind". Yet, doesn't publishing a methodology contradict on some level that notion of an "open mind?"".

If a person reads a book by someone that don't know or is dead then all that they can do is apply his books to their own development. They read and take note or they read and ignore. The third possibility is that they read and misunderstand, but there aren't a lot of options really. That is what reading is.

We can never know the intention behind the writing of a book unless we are explicitly told (and we believe what we are told). If it is for former/current students only and it leaks into the wider world then tough **** on the author. They should have realised that they were writing a book and not a billet-doux.

How does publishing (publishing that is, not mailing a love letter) a methodology contradict the notion of an open mind? Surely an open mind requires something external to its ungated self to read and reflect upon? If open minds can't take things in and make judgements about them then maybe they are not all that they are talked up to be.

I would have thought that publications from highly respected teachers would be welcomed and judged and their fate determined by their usage. If, and I take this to be one of your points, some people overvalue the worth of these publications for whatever reasons, history may level things out over time. But, in the meantime, it remains a good idea to read, and encourage others to read, in order that we can understand more about the clarinet and its playing.

(For full disclosure: I have the first volume of the Russianoff. I have read it, found it interesting but it does not play a significant role in my personal clarinet study.)

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-18 00:00

Dharma,

I do mean no attack, and wish not to push this thread off track neither.
His lectures, while speaking of quantum mechanics (albeit in the vernacular at times) ultimately deal with a language that must fall into the realm of quite complex mathematics. That language is concrete and immutable: something we do not possess in music (not a degradation, just what I see as the state of things.)

and FWIW I was enlightened to his commencement address as well, so I can not flatter myself with any superiority on that either!!!



Post Edited (2011-11-18 04:40)

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 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-18 04:39

Tony M,

As I wrote, I feel most importantly:

"How can someone apply his books in their own development without the context that only he could provide? Was this written only to be used by his former/current students?"

-and-

"It could be misconstrued as saying "keep an 'open mind' as long as you open your mind in the Russianoff way" to those of us that did not have the fortune to know the man."


You are supporting what I say, though inadvertently.

(-It needs be said I wish not to devalue Russianoff, nor his contributions. That is in no way the intent of what I said as you have misinterpreted, incorrectly, what I wrote. I made sure to keep any concrete terms or descriptors out of it.)

As you wrote:

>"If a person reads a book by someone that don't know or is dead then all that they can do is apply his books to their own development. They read and take note or they read and ignore. The third possibility is that they read and misunderstand, but there aren't a lot of options really. That is what reading is.

We can never know the intention behind the writing of a book unless we are explicitly told (and we believe what we are told). If it is for former/current students only and it leaks into the wider world then tough **** on the author. They should have realised that they were writing a book and not a billet-doux.">


Quite so. I understand what reading is, thus why I perhaps attempted to construct a posting that would push a less-educated clarinetist to seek the context in which the work lies. This is not James Joyce; and we are not seeking "true authorial-intent" as if it even exists. Yet, we Do have the fortune of being able to speak to former students of Russianoff to place a context for the books to reside in.

Yet, the description of him as the "open" minded teacher by his students, and being told by some of his blind devotees to have an "open mind" are two quite differing things. (I do not recall reading anything from Russianoff's pen telling me to have an open mind.)

Far too often I see it told that We need maintain an "open mind" as he did by his devotees, and then guided to rush out and hoard his books. The "open-mindedness" with which he approached his students is a wholly differing matter than that, and comes from a diametrically opposed direction to getting at the heart of things. That was what made him as gifted a teacher as he was purported to be. That is where the "open mind" truly lies. The blind devotion to his written methodology in some way devalues the true spirit of the man himself. HE does not truly lie in those cold and lifeless pages.

With the questions I wrote, actually having the books, I was perhaps trying to spur questioning in others as to why They worship Russianoff's literature as such. Again this is not an attack on him- but a push for others to perhaps question themselves; and maybe grow even more.

That you assert I hold the view one should not read the works of any "Master" is a bit insulting, or speaks to a misunderstanding of what I said at the very least. Encouraging others to read and glean is important- but the context is helpful if anything of true value will arise in the realm of "clarineting".

This goes for the writings of any Golden-Calf, not just Leon Russianoff, may he rest in peace.

-Jason

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Tony M 
Date:   2011-11-18 11:23

Jason,

At least we can begin with an agreement. If I do support what you say then it is inadvertent.

Regarding the insult, it wasn't meant as such. You say that I 'assert I [you] hold the view one should not read the works of any "Master"'. I didn't assert that. I said, 'I would have thought that publications from highly respected teachers would be welcomed and judged and their fate determined by their usage'. One would have to work pretty hard to derive the former from the latter.

If I had wanted to insult you, I would have used a phrase like 'the idiocy that spills from your mind.' But insult was not my objective. I wanted to discuss the points where I felt that you were straying from context, which was, as I understand it ('I wish not to degrade the man, but simply place his books in some context.), your aim.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-18 19:48

Tony M,

That is fair, and I do apologize for taking a statement you have written and placing incorrect meaning upon it. It was late, and my mood was a bit out of place- which vindicates not.

I will admit when I err, or misstate, for, any positive contributions I can provide would be rendered moot. Thus, I will not redact what I have previously written if it is mistaken, and let it stand as such.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps I should have clearly stated my intentions much more starkly from the start.

1. The works need to be placed in a context so one not able to have studied with Russianoff can most effectively glean what Is possible.

2. Some of his cult of supporters elevate his works in such a manner that they become a gospel of sorts. This reflects not on him, but on the state of mind of his followers. (Concurrently, the same happens with the works of many other experts.)

As you stated "history may level things out" re. works written about 'The Art of the Clarinet'; but for that to most effectively happen a minimal context is needed. Yet, that is often not properly provided or accessible, and thus, we have many works that are pushed upon "less knowledgeable" clarinetists as if they hold the key. Readers are then free to learn "proper" things, or unproductive measures. I simply would like to see the latter eliminated. (This does go far beyond the written methods of any said person, but I curtailed my writings to Russianoff's books as they are the topic at hand.)

Again, I apologize for misapplying your words. But to take a statement I wrote in another thread without having any knowledge of what spurred it is also a bit out of place.

-Jason



Post Edited (2011-11-18 21:17)

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Russianoff clarinet method
Author: Buster 
Date:   2011-11-19 04:25

Upon more rumination I realize that my usage of "context" is self-limiting in what I wished to voice.

*What is needed for the "context" of any instructional manual is both the abstract realm in which it was conceived and the real-life world where we can apply it.

It may seem these two things are self-reliant, or ultimately one in the same thing. However, they are not.

Knowing the realm of conception can lead to a positive/negative real-world application. Yet the reverse is not possible.

If one already has the notion of what fine playing can encompass, then written instruction in real-world usage is apt. Perhaps knowing the realm of conception can assist in further illumination, but it is not essential; nor necessary.

For those still looking for real-world illumination of what can comprise fine wind playing, the realm of conception can be of great assistance- or perhaps essential to know where to start weeding. We have some with knowledge of that realm here on the BBoard; perhaps they can be questioned to assist when necessary.

Interestingly, in the world of fiction, visual arts, or even some aspects of science where proof is found in the hard and fast dogma of mathematics, the realm of conception is not essential. A reader/viewer is free to place their own interpretation/learning from what is at hand with no foul cast upon others.

In the world of instruction, where teaching at a distance can cause undue stress or harm, "context" is important. -Both sides of the word.

Others may disagree and that is their right, but I can only state it as I see it; my seeming penchant for verbal attacks aside.

-Jason

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