WMV Music Web Log

Please refer to Carl's blogs of June 28, 30, and July 15 plus comments. I think I'm seeing a thread or theme, here, about composer's intentions in contrast with performers' interpretations.

With respect to Paul Wehage's comments, it would be interesting to hear from Francaix himself (if that were possible) concerning Carl and Rhonda's performance. Even granting he could hear the differences, as Paul does, what would be his reactions?

The following comes from my own experiences as a composer and piano player, which may or may not match the experience of others: Who can say how the piece is supposed to be played, provided it is played with skill, respect, enjoyment, authenticity?

(1) I've played my own compositions, and the sound comes out according to my feeling and skill (or lack thereof). Someone else plays it, and I may like it, even to the point of thinking their interpretation is better than my own. Or I may not like it, thinking they've missed my intention. Then I ask myself, what was my intention? My intention, I have to admit, was to move the listener, which includes the performer. Then I must not take my ideas about my own composition too seriously. If the performer puts their skill and heart into the playing, and people are moved, who am I to doubt the quality of the performance?

(2) I've played the compositions of other composers. At times I've listened to recordings of my own playing, and compared it to recordings of truly great performers. You can learn from this, be humbled by it, and sometimes even say to yourself, "I believe I did it better!". However, in such cases I've never had the luxury of hearing from the composer, as to whether he or she liked my interpretation better.

I think of the way I play a Bach fugue, compared with the way Glenn Gould played it. How did Bach play it? Which performance is "best"? We might naturally assume Bach's would be the best. But might we also imagine Bach hearing Glenn Gould play it and being surprised and delighted and exclaiming "Ausgezeichnet!"?

With respect to Jean Francaix, his daughter, Paul Wehage, Carl Banner, and Rhonda Buckley,

Mike Strand
 

Interesting points, but unfortunately for all, 2007 marks the tenth anniversary of Françaix's death. My comments were intended to pass on what I learned from the composer, as a saxophonist. Anyone can take them or leave them, but they are a close to the "horse's mouth" as one can currently get. You might be interested in reading my (first) blog post about Françaix and what happens when saxophonists ask me if I think that his music is good or not.

Best wishes,

Paul Wehage