 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2002-08-02 13:39
okay - i'm probably going to open up a whole can of worms but i hope not. just want to clarify something....
my father plays pedal steel guitar and has his guitar forum that he goes to. they are having a discussion about the hardest instrument. (THAT IS NOT MY QUESTION - dont want to get a big discussion going about that) Most, think their guitars are the hardest - but one person said the clarinet blah blah blah ~ and said that "artie shaw quit out of frustration."
I dont know all that much about artie shaw - but - i told my father i dont think so ....
can someone give me the fact on this ?
thanks, JL
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Author: William
Date: 2002-08-02 15:35
I may be worng about this, but I always believed that he quit because he realized that there was much more in life than clarinet and the kind of music he was playing. And that the amopunt of practice time he had to invest to maintain his personal high standards of performance were "not worth it, anymore." This impression was given during an old Johnny Carson Tonight Show intervue a few years ago. Johnny asked Artie if he would ever play again, and he replied that it would take "too much time to get back the sound"--implying to me that it was no longer worth the effort.
He recently gave an interview to "our own" ClarinetMamma (who may have lots more accurate info than I) and has remained an intense, creative person writting a number of successful books and is a true "Renaisssance Man" of our times.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-08-02 16:10
So...Artie rose to the 'top', earned all the money, married all the wives he wanted and moved on to other interests?
Does he, like others of his stature, have an autobio?
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2002-08-02 16:25
I believe that Artie Shaw did quit playing out of frustration, but not with the difficulty of playing the clarinet. He was frustrated with the music business and particularly with the fans who wanted him to play the same few hit tunes at every concert/dance/club date.
I'm sure he discusses this in the books he has written about his life. Finding and reading them is on my list of things to do as the more I find out about him the more fascinating I find him and would like to go directly to the source.
Todd W
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Author: Patrick
Date: 2002-08-02 17:04
GBK -
Thanks for the referral and link to the Artie Shaw interview. You are correct, that interview WAS very interesting. Those here interested in reading some truth today might check this one out.
Patrick
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-08-02 17:43
NPR had an interview on NPR earlier this year that may still be out on their website. Try these URL's:
http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/mar/shaw/index.html
http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/cmnpd01fm.cfm?prgID=3&prgDate=03/08/2002
Lots of people quit, retire, change jobs, whatever you want to call it. It could be out of frustration, feelings of inadequacy, market pressures, health issues, whatever. If someone like you or I does it, its no big deal. We walk into our new job and just do our best. I have a couple of friends who retired in their 30's, but would never change places with them. What is so different when some big cheese does it? I am still fascinated by the music he made, and don't feel cheated by not hearing him for 45 years. I prefer to look at him as a sort of Ted Williams of the clarinet - not swatting any more but still a fascinating person.
Regards.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-02 18:11
Ralph said..."I prefer to look at him as a sort of Ted Williams of the clarinet - not swatting any more but still a fascinating person."
Considering the way that Ted Williams' family is arguing about the future use of his DNA, he may soon be back...GBK
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-08-02 18:39
I think Artie quit because he couldn't play 'Begin the Beguine' without losing his temper.
Much the same way Bobby McFerrin will no longer perform
'Don't worry, be happy', infectious tunes are aptly named.
Great musicians will captivate an audience regardless of what gizmo they use to get the idea across.
'This instrument is the hardest' argument is a good way to clear a
room, a handy trick when you want to spend more nights alone.
Capable musicians can put together the wildest amalgam of instruments and still make a great sound.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-08-02 20:15
There really is no one "hardest instrument." Each instrument has it's own characteristics and things that must be learned. What may be hard for one person may be easy for another.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-08-02 20:45
I'm one of those who missed it the first time around :| Please allow me to add my thanks, GBK
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-08-02 21:23
Well I can relate to his feelings. I spent 22 years in the Coast Guard and I can go down and get my 100 ton licence in a flash and make more money than I do now. But, another boat and water is the LAST darn thing I ever want to see again. Though I would love to hear him play, I hope he is enjoying his retirement.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-08-02 21:41
Getting old can be frustrating and that's probably what happened to Artie
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-08-03 01:15
As someone who has met Artie in person here is what I can relay to you. Artie quit for a number of reasons. Read Vladimir Simosko's book and you will get an answer. From what Artie and I spoke about I got the idea he just didn't feel there was anything else left to do musically. The Self Portrait CD is an excellent example of the many styles he played in his career. While I was at his house he asked if I had the set. At the time not yet. However, I received it for my birthday. He seemed very proud that he selected the tracks on the cd not the record company. 95 tracks on 5 cds.
When "The Trouble With Cinderella" was written he was still playing.
Anyone who wants to know more about Artie must read this book. I enjoyed the book after the first couple of chapters which were much more cynical than the rest of the book. It is a great insight into his true nature. I love his writing style. I feel as those he is talking to me. Artie is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. His art collection is incredible and he has more books than anyone I have known. So yes, I think he is the definition of a Renaissance man.
I think when your mind is as sharp as Artie's you probably do get restless. His secretary told me he is bored with most people in 15 minutes. I got to speak to him for nearly 2 hours. I guess that speaks well for me.
He turns down almost all requests for interviews. I won't reveal how I was able to interview Artie for fear he will be inundated with requests. He is a complex man. Both ornery and sweet at the same time. But I had a grandfather who was like that too.
Jean
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-08-03 15:58
Everyone interested in Artie has to read his book "The Trouble with Cinderella". Do a search for Artie Shaw. You'll find his official website. He sells his books and CDs from home.
He is a fascinating person. 92 years old and as sharp as a tack.
And the greatest clarinetist ever. Bar none.
John Gibson
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-08-03 23:21
To John in Australia I imagine Kristine may have had a little bit more time than I had. I am just glad I wasn't asked to leave in 15 minutes. To be honest I was the one who decided I should end the interview. Meeting Artie was such a thrill. Being female didn't hurt. Even at his age I can see why women were so taken with him. We should all have a mind as sharp as his and the self-confidence. One of the many things I learned from Artie was not to take and crap from anyone.
Jean
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