 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kathryn
Date: 2002-07-25 02:01
There is a masterclass with David Shifrin on November 1, 2002. I get to play in it. I’m absolutely thrilled! From what I’ve read on the board he seems like a wonderful person. I ‘m a bit nervous about what I’m going to play. I know there are a million pieces to choose from. I know someone is already playing the Copland Clarinet concerto and another person is playing Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody so I wouldn’t like to do those pieces. I want to impress him but I don’t know if I should do something contemporary like "A set for clarinet by Martino" or something that is more standard repertoire like one of Brahms’ sonatas or a Weber concerto. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-07-25 02:13
Masterclasses: don't worry about what standard or level you're up to. Just play a piece your happy with and don't worry about what all the others are playing.
Any person running a masterclass will give you critical appraisal no matter what you're playing. There may be a "set piece" or a number of "set pieces", you can check this out with the convenor. Good luck, and enjoy it.
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Author: HAT
Date: 2002-07-25 02:34
First, you have to decide why you want to play in the class. Do you want to show off or do you want to learn something? This is a legitimate question that only you can answer.
Martino Set is not a great choice for a masterclass unless the person giving the class knows the piece well and plays it often (and has worked on it with the composer, like Charles Neidich has). I have no idea whether Shifrin plays the piece. Certainly he knows of it.
Now if there is something you like about Shifrin's playing (for me personally, I like his legato and his phrasing) and would like him to help you learn, pick a piece that embodies that. . .especially if he knows the work. Rose etudes are often very good choices for this reason.
Obviously Rose etudes are not what you want to play to show off, but maybe you would rather learn something than show off. Again, only you can make that call.
Sounds like a good opportunity.
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-07-25 12:01
I agree with Mr. Hattner, it's a masterclass not a performance situation. If it was me, I'd prepare a mvt. of a standard solo, etude or excerpt I enjoy playing and that everyone in the room is familiar with, can learn and benefit from. Any of the Webers or Brahms are suitable. If you feel particularly inspired and can't resist something contemporary or notey consider a selected etude from one of the Uhls, 1st/4th mvts of the Smith "Pieces" or Capriccio Espagnol excerpt (A and Bb). Relax, focus and have more FUN than a barrel of humans! Best, Ken
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Author: ChattyClar
Date: 2002-07-25 13:43
Play either of the Brahms sonatas. Shiffrin loves Brahms. I've heard that the Brahms sonatas are his favorites! In June I heard him perform Brahms #1 and it was amazing. He knows the piece and would have a lot of good ideas to offer. You might want to buy his recording ahead of time. It is exceptional.
Mike~
PS--Where and when's the master class? I'm jealous!!! I thought I was lucky to get his autograph
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-07-25 13:49
Kathryn -
I've met David Shifrin. He's a very nice fellow, with a knack for putting you at ease, and I'm sure he'll give you a great class on anything you play.
Pick music you know well and love. The better you know it, the more he can show you. If the Martino is "your" piece, by all means play it for him, but don't pick it just because it's difficult. Believe me, if you go in with a C major scale, there will be plenty to learn.
When I played in a Russianoff master class, he asked me the day before what I wanted to work on. I said Shepherd on the Rock, and he replied "Goodie!" It was one of the great experiences of my life, and he gave me some technical pointers, even though Shepherd is nowhere close to the Martino in difficulty.
Go in with your best.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2002-07-25 15:24
Kathryn,
David Shifrin has tremendous knowledge on the clarinet repertoire, even the most modern pieces. He was(is?) artistic director of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and commissioned many works for the clarinet. He is also a big fan of the standard pieces. He was among the first in US to record the Mozart concerto on a basset clarinet.
Now, what piece should you pick?
It depends what you want to get from this masterclass. As HAT pointed out, ifyou want to impress him take your favorite piece. I personnaly would be torn between 2 types of pieces:
1- Something I can play well technically but have trouble understanding musically.
2- Something super standard such has mozart or brahms just to get new ideas from somebody so gifted musically.
I certainly wish I could come to the masterclass,I am sure you will love it.
Best,
-Sylvain
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Author: Kathryn
Date: 2002-07-25 18:08
Thanks for all the advice. The master class is at Kleinhans music hall in Buffalo New York.
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Author: R
Date: 2002-07-25 20:47
Hi, I studied with Mr. Shifrin for 2 years; he is a great teacher, player, and person. I would play something in the standard rep, Mozart, Debussy, Brahms, etc (HE LOVES MOZART). He is not impressed by flashy fingers and modern noisy stuff; he is most interested in good sounds and musicianship. The most important thing is to play with your best sound and be as musically tasteful as possible. Take advantage of this opportunity and listen carefully to him play up close, how he uses his sound and directs his phrasing; that was my greatest experience with him. I would not play the Rose by the way, he doesn't care for them too much. He is probably the nicest most polite person I've met, so relax and play your best for him and have a good time! For me it was the greatest priveledge to study with him. He has been my idol since elementary school, and I took advantage of every lesson. It was a bit intimidating at times, but just to have been there playing for him, learning how he does what he does was all worth it. Good luck!
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Author: Don Yungkurth
Date: 2002-07-26 13:43
Could you please give more details about the Nov. 1 Shifrin masterclass? I live close enough to Buffalo to consider attending.
Is this event open to the public for auditors?
What time of day is the masterclass?
Is Shifrin also doing a recital?
Any other rrelated information would be appreciated.
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