Posted by Frank on June 04, 2000 at 07:34:20:
Summit Records has just released the subject CD entitled "Portrait of an Artist." It was formally introduced at ITEC and is currently availably only via the internet through the Summit Records website, and also through WindSong Press. It should be in stores by around August 1, perhaps earlier if things go well.
There have been questions about what was on the CD: was it playing, talking, master classes? The answer is an enthusiastic YES to all of the above. The 77+ minute CD contains material from various sources: spoken material from master classes and radio and TV interviews; brass ensemble performances, solo performances, and orchestral excerpts. Following is a listing of the musical selections:
BRASS ENSEMBLE (all with the great CSO brass):
BUXTEHUDE: Fanfare
GABRIELI: Canzon per sonare no. 2
BOZZA: Sonatine (unbelieveable performance)
SOLO MATERIAL:
STRAUSS: Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat (newly remastered of the Gunnison recording)
MONTI: Czardas
CLARKE: Carnival of Venice
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Concerto for Bass Tuba (1st mvt)
GUGEL/POTTAG: Etude No. 24
(the last 4 are from home practice tapes and are particularly impressive)
ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS:
BERLIOZ: Dies Irae from "Symphonie fantastique" (alone)
WAGNER: King Heinrich's Call from "Lohengrin" (with Jay Friedman)
the following are from commercial recordings of the CSO
BERLIOZ: Opening Recitative from "Romeo and Juliet", Giulini
BARTOK: Concerto for Orchestra (brass chorale), Reiner
STRAVINSKY: Petrouchka (tuba solo), Levine
NEILSEN: Sym. 4 (1st mvt excerpt), Martinon
BRUCKNER: Sym. 4 (1st mvt excerpt), Barenboim
MUSSORGSKY: Great Gate (finale), Reiner
These recordings demonstrate the incredible range of styles and the virtuosity of which Arnold Jacobs was capable. It is safe to say that listeners will be amazed and awed by a standard of tuba playing that several who have heard it described as "jaw dropping." The
combination of spoken excerpts and playing paint a picture of an incredible artist and teacher. This is probably the most astounding tuba recording you will ever hear. There is no player, past or present, who could combine such incredible technique with such a wonderfully resonant sound. Hearing virtuoso solos played with amazing dexterity on a 6/4 horn will be a lesson in itself. The orchestral excerpts with the CSO are impeccable examples of musicianship and masterful playing.
The interview and master class excerpts cover many of the essential elements of Arnold Jacobs' primary teaching concepts and are arranged topically. In the course of these recorded excerpts, one can hear him play on the mouthpiece, on the rim, and demonstrate the sound of taking a proper breath. The CD comes with a 20 page booklet that includes a thorough overview of Arnold Jacobs' life and philosophy, and an appreciation by Gene Pokorny, plus photos. Proceeds from the sale of this recording will go to a scholarship fund to benefit winners of the Arnold Jacobs Orchestral Audition Competition established through the T.U.B.A.
I have heard from a variety of sources that many young players either do not know who Arnold Jacobs was, or have a very vague sense of what he accomplished as a player and teacher. I had a recent discussion with a very accomplished professional player who observed that in attending college on the west coast, the name Arnold Jacobs was known but that even though he had heard many CSO recordings, he was amazed to hear the unsurpassed excellence demonstrated on this recording.
This is a rare opportunity to hear Arnold Jacobs "up close and personal" including private practice sessions in his basement. Every aspiring and professional tuba player owes it to yourself to hear this amazing tone quality and perfect clarity, not to mention an awesome dynamic range. Imitation was one of the primary tools in the Jacobs teaching arsenal, and this will allow you to hear it first hand. If you are not convinced, consider that players of the caliber of Gene Pokorny, Sam Pilafian, and Dave Fedderly (for starters) have been blown away by this recording.
Obligatory disclaimer: I receive no financial compensation from the sale of this recording. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. I recommend it solely in tribute to Arnold Jacobs and as a resource to readers. This is a rich tapestry of an amazing man and an amazing career. If you think you know about Arnold Jacobs, give this a listen. Even longtime Jacobs students have been awed and reinvigorated by hearing this CD, and the reason it is great is because HE was a truly great artist and man. As a community we must keep the unique legacy of Arnold Jacobs alive. Please help spread the word.