Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2005-11-02 13:14
Here's a note from Dennis Smylie, the great NYC Bass Clarinetist, on his take on the World Bass Clarinet Convention:
"Hi John,
I was in Rotterdam, heard these two and was very impressed by their virtuosity. Briefly one of them played on a particular design of saxophone made in Munich called a tubax. The model played, I think called the subcontrabass, is in the key of Bb and voiced a full octave below the bass sax (descending to a concert Ab below most piano keyboards). I was invited there to serve on a panel to judge a young soloists' competition of 8 folks from around the world, though none came from the US. There were 3 rounds w/very demanding music, either alone or w/piano. The winner was a man from Spain with the other 2 finalists from Japan (one of 3 woman amoung the 8) and a Czech man. All were quite impressive.
There were many concerts w/fine soloists from the world over. I played in an evening program on 2 pieces alone, by American Don Martino and Bach (an adaptation of a vlc. suite mvmnt). Also spoke to the audience about the older model Mazzeo/Buffet bass cl. and its innovative redesign in the 1940's at the Powell Flute Factory. People seemed very interested in this.
One big scale event was a performance by 148 bass cls. (inc. 3 Bb cb. cls.) of a piece in 12 voices, written and led by Englishman Paul Harvey. I sat in and did like the music as well as the remarkable sound produced.
This really was, I think, an extraordinary event with all the people present bringing their interest in and even love of the instrument. Henri Bok, the fine Dutch bass cl. soloist and teacher at the Rotterdam Conservatory was the creative force behind all of this.
Take care !
Sincerly, Dennis"
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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The Clarinet BBoard
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