 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-08 13:13
Speechless!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2011-12-08 13:38
He's obviously a young Hungarian player, probably a student of Kovacs Bela himself.
His playing is quite typical of the level of clarinet playing in Hungary. It's exceptionally high. I've heard players in that country who are even younger than this guy who can play at this level.
It's quite shocking, actually. Your serious high-school player in Hungary has more ability -- instrumentally and muscially -- than a third or fourth year university player in North America. I think it's because they have a very high standard (epitomized by Kovacs Bela) and work like beavers to attain it.
Hungary is clarinet central.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2011-12-08 13:48
Okay, I just read the bio and now I know who he is. Rather, I know his father, who has the same name. "Know" is probably the wrong word. I met the man and spent some time with him several years ago.
Kohan Istvan, the father, is a great player who is known as one of the top Klezmer players in Hungary (he plays every style but his Klezmer player is outstanding). He was a student of Kovacs Bela, as are all of the other young Mr. Kohan's teachers.
Not surprising that the kid is so accomplished. Probably could play the clarinet before he could use a knife and fork.
Post Edited (2011-12-08 13:49)
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2011-12-08 19:23
pg@ wrote "His playing is quite typical of the level of clarinet playing in Hungary."
While I agree that the level of clarinet playing in Hungary is very high, I would argue that Kohán István plays at a much higher level than even the typical Hungarian 18 year old. (He was only 18 when this recording was made).
Very impressive- thanks for posting!
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2011-12-08 20:36
He's without a doubt one of the more talented and accomplished players for his age. But you'd be surprised how many of them there are in that small country who, even as teenagers, can play this well.
I saw the syllabus for one of the music schools in Budapest for young players (up to age 18). It included material that you almost never see young people attempting here in North America. And most of the kids could actually get through it and quite well. Some could play the stuff astoundingly well.
High standards, what can I say.
Also, Hungarians, be they parents or music teachers, don't tend to pass out compliments just like that. It's the opposite of what you see in North America. That too makes a diffierence.
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