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Re: To Bb or not to Bb

Author: Tony Pay ★2017
Date: 2014-11-19 00:31

Chris Peryagh wrote:

>> A or Bb depending on what you prefer - there's no right or wrong here. I did hear of an instance where someone had been criticised for performing this on 'the wrong clarinet' (they played it on a Bb).>>

The words 'right' and 'wrong' in this context either have no meaning – in which case you can do what you want; or they distinguish between obeying Schumann's instructions and disregarding them – in which case, you can also do what you want.

Schumann was quite specific in his choice of instrument, not only in his chamber music but in his symphonies and concertos, where he sometimes asks for a different instrument for just a few bars. So, I prefer to honour his wishes.

Ed Palanker wrote:

>> Although there is a slight difference in the tone quality of both instruments I doubt that anyone in the audience ever noticed.>>

That may be true. But, _I_ notice.

>> Do what you want, you won't get struck down. >>

This is true. But you may get criticised if you go against what Schumann wrote.

And, being casual about this matter often goes hand in hand with being casual about other aspects of the music.

"Do what you want" is ultimately the truth of the matter. However, I'd say you have to take seriously the process of FINDING OUT what you REALLY want; which is a harder row to hoe, as Bastian Balthazar Bux found out in Michael Ende's "The Neverending Story".

Tony

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