Re: Re: B.A.T.


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Posted by A Guy in Virginia on September 04, 2000 at 17:46:11:

In Reply to: Re: B.A.T. posted by Rich on September 04, 2000 at 08:57:58:

I just read Mr. Yeo's article. I enjoyed it greatly, and agree.

Where, exactly, did Mr. Yeo say all the things you mention?

Sure, he talked about the drive for louder sounds being the byproduct of over-developed and unchecked egos in the brass section. And he talked about the importance of contributing to the sound of the group instead of to the glory of the individual. And so on.

But he did not condemn BAT's. And I don't think large tubas are a particularly American disease, if disease they are. He condemned the musicians whose egos outshine the ensemble.

We forget that picture in Bevan of George Wall playing an enormous Alexander contrabass tuba, in London, probably in the 70's. That instrument is capable of playing louder than any American-style BAT, in the wrong hands. And somebody must buy those 6/4 Kaiserbasses that Rudy Meinl makes--I don't see that many in American orchestras.

Which is better: A large instrument in gentle hands or a small instrument played by an egotist with no regard for the ensemble?



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