 The Ethnic Clarinet
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Author: ChrisC
Date: 2003-07-17 02:43
Hi--
As a clarinetist who has become fairly well-versed in klezmer and has recently taken a strong interest in Balkan gyspsy music, I've noticed that there doesn't seem to be a strong solo clarinet tradition in the Balkan style--with the apparent exception of Ivo Papasov, whose records I can't find...
Anyway, my exposure to Balkan music has been mostly through brass bands, which occasionally do feature incredible clarinet playing. I still have not been able to locate any recordings in this style (gypsy dance music, coceks, kolos, ruchenitsas etc.) that are lead by or feature clarinet players, which strikes me as strange considering how good these guys sound. I love transcribing tunes and have done quite a bit of it with klezmer, but find Balkan music more of a challenge as a clarinetist...trying to adapt brass band tunes for solo clarinet.
If anyone has any leads for finding Balkan clarinet recordings or tips for adapting Balkan music for the clarinet, kindly let me know! I'd also love to find out if anyone is familiar with the gypsy brass bands, like the Boban Markovic Orchestra or the Original Kocani Orchestra--'cuz that's pretty much the kind of music I'm talking about here.
Thanks for reading
--Chris
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-07-17 16:01
I'm familiar with all of the stuff you mention, Chris. Most of the Bulgarian clarinet stuff is done with a band of some sort. And it's unfortunate that Ivo's recordings are currently out of print. There is a "Best of" available at: http://www.bgbooks.net.
Try searching out Ferus Mustafov, a Macedonian gypsy clarinet/sax player. I'm not sure how available his one US recording is at this point, but it's excellent. There's another guy, Yasko Argirov, with one cd available domestically. Also look for anything on the label, Gega New. It's the current version of the old Balkanton (Bulgarian state label), and there are at least a couple good clarinet things on it. Unfortunately, my cd's are in vast disarray (I've got over 1000) and so I can't find their names right now. Of course this means my memory is also in disarray, since I can't REMEMBER their names either! 
I'm not sure about your question on adapting Balkan music for clarinet. Much of it works splendidly! Of course, when you're alone, you don't get the same energy as when you've got a band (brass or other) to back you up.
Also check out: http://www.eefc.org for their fabulous listserv and annual Balkan Music and Dance camps. The next one is in Mt. Washington, MA from 17-24 Aug. I can't go this year, but have been for the last 3 and it is WONDERFUL!
All the best,
Katrina
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Author: ChrisC
Date: 2003-07-18 00:36
Thanks so much Katrina--I found two CD's by Argirov at cdroots.com, and the sound samples tell me they're exactly what I'm looking for, so I ordered 'em both. I actually ordered the "Best of" Papasov disc from bgbooks over a week ago, and got a message telling me it would be shipping *from Bulgaria*, so who knows when I'll receive it...looking forward to it, though.
And yes, I did in fact register for Balkan camp earlier in the month--I'm glad you recommend it, though it's a shame you won't be there.
BTW, I've found your past posts on this board to be tremendously informative as well. Since it's obviously not very active, I'd like to thank you for being around to give a speedy response to my inquiry.
Best,
Chris
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-07-18 00:44
When I ordered last from Bgbooks, it didn't take more than a couple of weeks to come. I believe they shipped direct from Bulgaria too.
Additionally, try looking for some Albanian and Greek stuff. It's different, but it's related too. My fave Albanian stuff is the Laver Bariu "Songs from the City of Roses" and Rromano Dives (group) "Chaj Zibede." Just beware, the tracks on the Rromano Dives cd are mislabeled! I have a corrected list _somewhere_ in my email!
I WISH I could be at Balkan Camp this year, but finances are just not gonna work out. Maybe I'll see ya there next year, eh?
And thanks for the thanks!  I'm a Balkan music evangelist as much as I possibly can be!
Katrina
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Author: Simon
Date: 2003-07-18 01:28
Chris,
There are a number of Macedonian clarinet players , though not gypsy music, however I am sure you will get a kick from traditional Macedonian ora (dances).
Try this web page:
http://www.taleognenovski.com.mk
Good luck
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-07-18 04:43
Yes...I keep forgetting the web addy...maybe this time I'll bookmark it! I do enjoy Tale's playing!
Katrina
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-18 12:08
"Zlatne Uste" brass band uses a clarinet, but solos only on some pieces. Based in New York City, their name means roughly "golden lips". Plays traditional music of the Balkans, particularly representing Macedonian, Serbian, Bulgarian and Romany (Gypsy). Several recordings are available.
http://www.zlatneuste.org/
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-07-18 13:24
And, Chris, Catharine Foster (who will be teaching clarinet at Balkan Camp) plays with Zlatne Uste, and they (the whole band) should be there too! Their energy when live is PHENOMENAL!
Katrina
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The Clarinet Pages
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