 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anthony_Madderson
Date: 2006-10-18 13:13
Just a quick update for you from London regarding the Selmer Clarinet Academy that was just held at the Royal Academy of Music. I was expecting something similar to the ICA conference set up, but was sadly dissapointed, no trade stands, not even a selmer mouthpiece or some sheet music on display just the instruments. I missed the first class of the academy that was given on bass clarinet improvisation, but the class held on monday afternoon given by Mr Barnaby Robson of the Philharmonia Orchestra was a wonderful masterclass in all the finer details of orchestral work. Sadly, I found the playing to be at best average with some very questionable players on display. Later that night Allesandro Carbonaro gave a class on the rossini variations which was thankfully of a much higher quality in the standard of student.
Yesterday evening however there was a gala concert to showcase two of selmers great artists, the afore mentioned Robson and Carbonaro. Robson was up first playing New York Counterpoint with a live ensemble. A dissapointing event if ever there was one, not from Robson who was wonderful but from a rag tag bunch of students who failed to impress with any skill. A real shame as Robson from what I have heard in the Philharmonia is a great player. The next shock came in carbonaro's program. Graham Fitkin, a verdi fantasia and frank zappa medley. It was all captivatingly played with great ensemble skills but musically we as an audience were left wanting some substance. While I admire Mr Carbonaro's skill I can't help but object ot his choice of repertoire.
Overall this was a disapointing event that didn't do either selmer or the wonderful teachers justice. It was very strange also to note, the Selmer Clarinet Academy Ensemble consisted entirely of Buffet clarinetists! The standard of student was also very low and given the talent in the audience for the final concert I just wonder why more advanced players were not invited to perform in masterclasses or even a concert.
Anthony Madderson
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2006-10-18 16:53
I was at Barnaby's class and it was indeed very interesting and helpful. I must also second your point about the standard. I was very tempted to ask if I could play the Mozart. It was surprising that none was prepared to do it. From my experience doing auditions it's the Mozart that determines whether the panel want to hear more. I was always told this from my professers at the Conservatoire and RCM. Perhaps this is a new event and will get better if they make it an anual event.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2006-10-18 17:01
Thanks for the update...it does sound rather disappointing. But I suppose these things are really difficult to organize.
For a different take on a Selmer day try;
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=177442&t=177442
But maybe everyone has already read it...a second look won't hurt.
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2006-10-18 21:46
I participated in a master class with Barnaby in Australia a few months ago. I performed Stravinsky's Three Pieces and I can't say I agreed with his interpretation. Of course I did everything he said in the master class and went along with his 'funny' (to me) way of playing it. If I took anything away from that day, it is knowing that there are different interpretations out there and you can't please everyone.
I played on his Selmer Arthea and it is a gorgeous instrument!
If the talent was questionable, spare a thought that it couldn't be easy for him trying to run an effective masterclass.
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