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Date: | Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:47:28 -0700 |
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Steve Schwartz wrote:
>Despite his deep understanding of the piano and of the orchestra,
>Ravel never considered himself either a pianist or a conductor. In
>the wings for a performance as soloist in his G-major concerto, he
>supposedly remarked to the conductor, "What a pity. Now it will all be
>ruined."
Interesting. If I recall correctly, he planned to play the premiere
himself. He had to be talked out of it in favor of Margeurite Long.
He conducted instead. (I think that's right.)
>Ravel's conducting of his Bolero not only bears out his own estimate
>of his podium abilities, but reminds us that this "lollipop" was once
>difficult modern music.
I played Bolero a few months ago. As far as this trombonist is concerned,
it's *still* difficult. To play anyway.
> Ravel has trouble keeping the ensemble together. Soloists
> run ahead of the steady drummer (TUM, dih-dih-dih TUM,
> dih-dih-dih-dih-dih-dih-dih-dih-dih TUM). Sections veer out of the
> rhythmic groove from other sections in the tuttis.
Those are tricky rhythms, very sneaky. (Of course, the thing I know
best about rhythm is that it's hard.) Yes, I know. Out there some high
school regional orchestra is playing it very well. Ah, to be young.
Sorry, just fooling around.
Roger Hecht
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