 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TomD
Date: 2015-06-22 17:23
Has anyone had a chance to check out Julian's new CD with the Nielson and Mozart Concertos along with a couple of Mozart Arias that Julian arranged?
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Author: TomD
Date: 2015-06-29 16:16
Since there were no replies, I will give my own take if anyone is interested. First, let me say that in terms of technique, Julian is absolutely incredible IMO. I don't have much experience with the Nielsen so I really can't comment other than to say that some of the fast passages and fast staccato left me speechless.
Now to the Mozart. Again, technique essentially perfect. In the notes that accompany the CD, Julian states: "The Mozart is not particularly difficult on a technical level, but to me that alone makes it challenging. You have nothing to 'hide behind' and it is all down to being musical and making it meaningful."
I really only have two criticisms and they both relate to tempo. The first movement feels rushed at times not only by Julian but by the Orchestra as well.
The Adagio also IMO is too fast. I believe that Marcellus played it around 40 or 42 as have many others I have listened. Julian's tempo averages in the mid to upper 40's, sometimes approaching 50. This to me makes it difficult for the player to extract the full beauty of the piece and really play it with expression. I think with the younger generation of players, everything seems to be about speed.
As an aside, I still feel that the Marcellus recording with the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell is the gold standard. One can argue that Marcellus's version is a bit boring in terms or articulation but to me the Orchestra is second to none. Every phrase, every note is played with passion. My ex teacher took lessons from Marcellus years ago and he told her that a rehearsal under Szell was exhausting to the point of near collapse when it was over. But I guess it payed off...
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Author: RAL
Date: 2015-06-29 20:06
I listened to him in Spotify (really, the best way to find almost every interpretation - maybe not, but far better than the local store...).
I agree his technique is superb. However, my benchmark is Sabine Meyer/Staatskapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk. IMHO, she blends better with the orchestra. I find (again, just MHO) that Bliss performs a bit of his own show in some passages and the orchestra is just there in the background.
Many variables as well that can influence, including but not limited to mic placement, masterization, etc...
And I am a firm believer that in musical interpretation, the "benchmark" you establish is very difficult to surpass, as it becomes embedded as the way of playing it...
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