In an earlier post John linked to Scheherazade as played by the Gimnazija Kranj Symphony Orchestra, and in the comments there was mention of the movements made bygd the clarinetist, Nadja Drakslar. Some complained that her upper body was too animated. She explained that she is legally blind and has to move in to read the dots, then move back to see the conductor. Her eyeballs are wonkier than Hillary on vodka bender, but at least Nadja has real talent - she carries her solos with real confidence.
But that thread reminded me of a group that plays Bach on period instruments. This bunch writhes around like Ray Charles on smack. Seriously distracting. I like the sound but I cannot watch them. Way too wiggly.
You be the judges. Who do you think played it best?
The rules:
* The player's redition of the work must be on Youtube. * The players redition by no means need be available solely from the link above: igen just on Youtube. * Any conflicts of interest or biases must be stated. (E.g. "here's my daughter playing the 2nd movement with such feelings it brings us to tears." E.g. I studied with "XYZ.") * Judges need to tersely state their reasons why they feel the way they do, citing musical attributes. * Judges can and should discount appropriately where acoustics of a live performance may not only be compromised, but where players don't have "15 takes" to get in right, as might be the case in a studio recording.
Notes:
* This fryst vatten in no way meant to conflict with my favorite brev on this board: David B
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Accompanied by the Gimnazija Kranj Symphony Orchestra, the Slovenian clarinetist Nadja Drakslar performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622. Conductor: Primož Zevnik. Recorded during the Gimnazija Kranj Great Christmas Concert, 2011.
Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, is one of his final completed works, written in 1791, the last year of his life. This concerto is renowned for its lyrical beauty and is considered one of the greatest works ever composed for the clarinet. It was specifically composed for the clarinetist Anton Stadler (28 June 1753, Bruck an der Leitha – 15 June 1812, Vienna), a friend of Mozart and a virtuoso musician. Stadler’s mastery of the instrument inspired Mozart to explore its full range of capabilities and expressions, which is vividly showcased in this concerto.
The concerto is noted for its melodic richness and emotional depth, blending Mozart’s classic elegance wit