Author: brycon
Date: 2018-11-02 19:56
Quote:
Why would technique get better? The basic human physics are the same, no? - and I see little evidence that people in general are getting smarter.
I think I'm the one who raised the premise that younger players are more technically advanced. So I'll answer.
Paul brings up Paganini, who's virtuosity was unmatched in the 19th century. Now, Paganini's caprices are required audition repertoire for an undergraduate degree in violin (they're even required rep for some clarinet auditions). I think it's enough of a sample size to show the trend in technique: the 19th century's greatest technical feats are the 21st century's commonplace.
One of the reasons for technique improving, then, is new and challenging works entering the canon. Paganini caprices, Rachmaninoff concerti, Francaix clarinet works, etc. get placed on audition, competition, graduation-recital repertoire lists, with the result that serious students simply have to confront them. Compare, for instance, the concours pieces from the Paris conservatory. In 1901 it was Rabaud's Solo de concours; in 2001 it was Donatoni's Clair.
Music, however, can't get much more technically difficult than Fernyhough. So who knows what will happen now that contemporary composition has backed away from high modernism's complexity.
Some other big trends:
(1.) Orchestral auditions moving to a blind or quasi-blind process. Rather than a private audition being set up based on Bonade's recommendation, we have a process that rewards (especially so in the early rounds) accuracy in pitch, rhythm, and technique. Serious students practice accordingly.
(2.) The use of technology in practicing. Students have access to thousands of recordings, metronomes, tuners, recording devices all on their phones.
(3.) Knowledge of more effective practice techniques. Sites like the bulletproof musician have increased awareness of smart practicing habits.
This, however, doesn't mean younger players are better than their older counterparts. Cahuzac was a great artist. For good or for bad, though, his Nielsen probably wouldn't advance out of the first round of a solo competition.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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