Brisbois Ou 0169D 10837

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
GRADUATE COLLEGE
JEAN FRANÇAIX’S CLARINET CONCERTO: AN EXAMINATION OF
PERFORMANCE PRACTICES
A DOCUMENT
SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Degree of
DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS
By
AARON BRISBOIS
Norman, Oklahoma
2012
JEAN FRANÇAIX’S CLARINET CONCERTO: AN EXAMINATION OF
PERFORMANCE PRACTICES
A DOCUMENT APPROVED FOR THE

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
BY
___________________________
Dr. Valerie Watts, Chair
___________________________
Dr. Suzanne Tirk, Co-Chair
___________________________
Dr. Eugene Enrico
___________________________
Dr. Marvin Lamb
___________________________
Dr. John Fagan
© Copyright by AARON BRISBOIS 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude for the help and support I have received for
this vast project. Thank you to all of my graduate committee members for your
guidance, encouragement, and patience to guide me through the lengthy process of
writing this document. Without your help this project could not have been completed
with the highest level of quality. Thank you to the late Dr. David Etheridge for helping
me improve greatly as a clarinetist, and for encouraging me to move forward with my
research of Jean Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. You are greatly
missed. I would like to thank my family for their support also. Thank you to my parents
for encouraging me to pursue the study of music. Success in this journey is owing to
your emotional, spiritual, and financial support. I would especially like to thank my
lovely wife for accompanying me in my recitals and for being a loving, supportive
companion. My life would be incomplete without you. Finally, I would like to thank the
God of Heaven for giving me a love for music, and the desire to explore its vastness.
iv
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ iv
List of Tables ................................................................................................................. vii
List of Figures .............................................................................................................. viii
Abstract ........................................................................................................................... x
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ........................................................................... 1

Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 1
Procedures .................................................................................................................... 2
Review of Literature ..................................................................................................... 5
Background of the Composer and the Concerto .......................................................... 7
Chapter 2: Philippe Cuper .......................................................................................... 13

Background of the Performer ..................................................................................... 13
Movement I ................................................................................................................. 15
Movement II ................................................................................................................ 21
Movement III .............................................................................................................. 23
Movement IV ............................................................................................................... 25
Closing Remarks ......................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3: Dimitri Ashkenazy .................................................................................... 33

Movement I ................................................................................................................. 35
Movement II ................................................................................................................ 40
Movement III .............................................................................................................. 43
Movement IV ............................................................................................................... 46
Closing Remarks ......................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 4: John Finucane ........................................................................................... 52

Movement I ................................................................................................................. 54
Movement II ............................................................................................................... 63
Movement III .............................................................................................................. 66
Movement IV ............................................................................................................... 69
Closing Remarks ......................................................................................................... 73
v
Chapter 5: Charles Neidich ......................................................................................... 75
Movement I ................................................................................................................. 77
Movement II ................................................................................................................ 83
Movement III .............................................................................................................. 85
Movement IV ............................................................................................................... 88
Closing Remarks ......................................................................................................... 91
Chapter 6: Conclusion ................................................................................................. 93

Comparison of the Artists ........................................................................................... 93
Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 98
Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 100
vi
List of Tables
Table 1.1. A list of the selected passages for comparative analysis ................................. 5
Table 1.2. Sonata form in the first movement ................................................................ 11
Table 1.3. Ternary form in the second movement .......................................................... 11
Table 1.4. Continuous theme and variations in the third movement .............................. 11
Table 1.5. Five-part rondo in the fourth movement ....................................................... 11
Table 6.1. A comparison of tempi for the four artists .................................................... 95
Table 6.2. The different approaches to the questionable tremolos five bars
before 14 ........................................................................................................ 96
vii
List of Figures
Figure 2.1. Philippe Cuper’s interpretation of the primary theme starting at 1 ............. 16
Figure 2.2. The secondary theme from 5 to 8 ................................................................ 17
Figure 2.3. One and one chalumeau E-flat fingering ..................................................... 18
Figure 2.4. Accompanimental passage starting six measures after 11 ........................... 19
Figure 2.5. Cuper’s interpretation of the tremolo passage starting nine bars
before 14 ....................................................................................................... 20
Figure 2.6. The technically difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14 ........ 21
Figure 2.7. Corrected articulation in the fourth and fifth measures of 18 ...................... 21
Figure 2.8. The melodic line beginning at 20 ................................................................ 22
Figure 2.9. Difficult articulation in the third measure of 21 .......................................... 22
Figure 2.10. Cuper’s interpretation of the melody beginning in the eighth bar
of the Trio ................................................................................................... 23
Figure 2.11. Introductory phrase and the first phrase of the theme starting at 31 ......... 24
Figure 2.12. Melody beginning one measure before 35 ................................................. 25
Figure 2.13. Piano reduction of the accompaniment starting eight measures
before 36 ..................................................................................................... 26
Figure 2.14. The first two measures of the clarinet part felt in 3/4 ................................ 26
Figure 2.15. Measures 9-12 in the first cadenza ............................................................. 27
Figure 2.16. Forte dynamic marking added eleven measures before 43 ........................ 27
Figure 2.17. Third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47 ...................................... 28
Figure 2.18. The eighth measure of 47 to 48 ................................................................. 30
Figure 3.1. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the primary theme beginning at 1 ................ 36
Figure 3.2. Two measures before 7 to one measure before 8 ........................................ 37
Figure 3.3. Accompanimental passage in the sixth bar of 11 to two measures
before 12 ....................................................................................................... 38
Figure 3.4. The tremolo passage starting nine measures before 14 ............................... 39
Figure 3.5. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the technically difficult passage
starting in the fourth measure of 14 ............................................................. 40
Figure 3.6. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the melody beginning at 20 ......................... 41
Figure 3.7. Ashkenazy’s mental regrouping in the third measure of 21 ........................ 42
Figure 3.8. Ashkenazy’s interpretation beginning in the eighth measure of
the Trio ......................................................................................................... 42
Figure 3.9. The beginning of the third movement to one measure before 32 ................ 44
Figure 3.10. C-sharp fingering for the B to C-sharp grace-notes one measure
before 35 ..................................................................................................... 45
Figure 3.11. D-sharp fingering for the last D-sharp at 35 .............................................. 45
Figure 3.12. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the melody starting one measure
before 35 ..................................................................................................... 45
Figure 3.13. Fourteen measures before 43 to 43 ............................................................ 47
Figure 3.14. The third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47 ................................ 49
Figure 3.15. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the second cadenza starting eleven
bars before 48 ............................................................................................. 50
viii
Figure 3.16. Altissimo A and A-sharp fingerings .......................................................... 50
Figure 4.1. Finucane’s interpretation of the primary theme beginning at 1 ................... 55
Figure 4.2. 5 to the fifth measure of 5............................................................................ 56
Figure 4.3. The fifth and sixth measures of 6 ................................................................ 56
Figure 4.4. Finucane’s practice strategy starting in the sixth measure of 11 ................. 57
Figure 4.5. The accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11 ............. 58
Figure 4.6. Measures 18 through 20 of the cadenza ....................................................... 59
Figure 4.7. The first two measures of the passage starting seventeen measures
before 14 ....................................................................................................... 60
Figure 4.8. Transposition of the tremolo passage for A clarinet .................................... 61
Figure 4.9. Five measures before 14 .............................................................................. 61
Figure 4.10. The technically difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14 ...... 62
Figure 4.11. Finucane’s alternate fingerings used in the fourth measure of 14 ............. 63
Figure 4.12. Finucane’s interpretation of the melody beginning at 20 .......................... 64
Figure 4.13. The fingering for B-flat and A-sharp in the second measure of 21 ........... 65
Figure 4.14. Finucane’s approach to the difficult articulation in the third
measure of 21 ............................................................................................. 65
Figure 4.15. The eighth measure of the Trio to ten before 26 ....................................... 66
Figure 4.16. The beginning to one measure before 32 ................................................... 67
Figure 4.17. Finucane’s fingering for high E-sharp one measure before 35 .................. 68
Figure 4.18. One measure before 35 to the fourth measure of 35 ................................. 69
Figure 4.19. Measures one and two of the fourth movement ......................................... 70
Figure 4.20. The eleventh measure of the first cadenza to 43 ........................................ 71
Figure 4.21. The eleventh measure of 47 to eight measures before 48 ......................... 73
Figure 5.1. The primary theme beginning at 1 ............................................................... 78
Figure 5.2. Three measures before 8 leading into two measures before 8..................... 79
Figure 5.3. Side-key E-flat fingering .............................................................................. 80
Figure 5.4. The accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11 ............. 80
Figure 5.5. The tremolo passage starting nine measures before 14 ............................... 82
Figure 5.6. The melody beginning at 20 ........................................................................ 84
Figure 5.7. Neidich’s approach to the difficult articulation in the third
measure of 21 ............................................................................................... 84
Figure 5.8. Measure eight of the Trio to one measure before 26 ................................... 85
Figure 5.9. The end of movement two and the beginning of movement three............... 86
Figure 5.10. Acceptable places to breathe from the beginning to one measure
before 32 ..................................................................................................... 87
Figure 5.11. The melody beginning one measure before 35 .......................................... 88
Figure 5.12. The eleventh and twelfth measures of the first cadenza ............................ 89
Figure 5.13. The second cadenza beginning in the eleventh measure of 47 .................. 90
ix
Abstract
This document explores the performance practices of Jean Françaix’s Concerto
for Clarinet and Orchestra by four world-renowned clarinetists. These artists are
Philippe Cuper, Dimitri Ashkenazy, John Finucane, and Charles Neidich. Their
approaches to the work are compared for similarities and differences in regard to
selected passages from each movement. Those who will benefit the most from this
study include performers, students, teachers, and researchers who have a desire to gain a
deeper understanding of the concerto. An introductory chapter provides details
regarding the research process, and a brief background about the composer and his
work. Following this introduction, individual chapters are devoted to the performance
practices of the four performers mentioned above. Finally, the concluding chapter
compares the approaches of the four artists, and draws conclusions about the work as a
whole.
x
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study
Purpose
Jean Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra written in 1967-68
represents one of the most difficult works in the clarinet repertoire. In Jack Brymer’s
book entitled Clarinet, he describes Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra as:
A work for the future, possibly, when the instrument has developed further or
the human hand has changed. At present, its roulades in the key of B major
are beyond almost any player; but the work is a worthwhile challenge, and the
A clarinet would probably provide the answer.1
While it has been roughly thirty-five years since Brymer wrote this description, the
challenging nature of the work remains daunting. There is a select group of performers
who have created commercial recordings of the concerto on LP or CD despite the
demands placed on the performer. These performers include Jacques Lancelot (1972?),
Maurice Gabai (1982?), Philippe Cuper (1992), Dimitri Ashkenazy (1995), Walter
Boeykens (1974), and John Finucane (2009).2 These recordings provide a varied set of
interpretive models that any enterprising student of Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet
and Orchestra should study.
Very little has been written about Jean Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and
Orchestra. Aside from Philippe Cuper’s article cited above, information about the work
usually appears in the form of program notes or short descriptions, such as the quote by
1
Jack Brymer, Clarinet, Yehudi Menuhin Guides, ed. Yehudi Menuhin (New
York: Schirmer Books, 1976), 222.
2
For additional performances that have not been recorded to LP or CD, see
Philippe Cuper, “Checking Points in the Jean Françaix ‘Clarinet Concerto,’” Clarinet &
Saxophone 23, no. 1 (Spring 1998): 21; Pamela Weston, Clarinet Virtuosi of Today
(Hertfordshire, England: Eglon Publishers, 1989), 94, 229, 326.
1
Jack Brymer. Therefore, there is a great need for research to be done regarding the
concerto in order to provide a better understanding of the work for those who desire to
study it. The goal of this document is to explore the performance practices of world-
renown performers and use their interpretations to gain better insight into the concerto.
Those who will benefit from this study include students and performers who desire to
have a better understanding of the work, and clarinet instructors who want greater
knowledge about the concerto for pedagogical purposes.
Procedures
Interviews were used as the primary method for gathering information regarding
performance practices of the concerto. This manner of collecting data allowed the artists
being interviewed the opportunity to share their philosophical ideas about the work, as
well as the manner in which they approach the challenges presented in it. With this in
mind, interviews were conducted with Philippe Cuper, Dimitri Ashkenazy, John
Finucane, and Charles Neidich. The interview with Cuper took place on July 22, 2010
during the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest in Austin, Texas. Cuper
demonstrated how to play passages from the concerto in addition to answering
questions about the work and the composer. Ashkenazy was interviewed on June 19,
2010 during the thirty-fifth annual University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium in
Norman, Oklahoma. Like Cuper, Ashkenazy answered questions in a personal interview
setting, and played excerpts from the work. Finucane was interviewed via Skype on
March 5, 2012 as he could not be physically present for an interview. Like Finucane,
Charles Neidich was interviewed through Skype on March 15, 2012. During Neidich’s
2
interview he played recordings of past performances he had done of the concerto and
answered questions about the work and composer.3
The following criteria were considered when selecting the four interviewees:
their availability for an interview, their reputation as performers, their personal
connections with the composer, and if they had created a commercial recording of the
concerto. Aside from having worked extensively with the composer, Cuper is a world-
renown performer. An entire chapter in Pamela Weston’s book Clarinet Virtuosi of
Today is devoted to Cuper.4 Dimitri Ashkenazy is in great demand around the world as
a soloist, chamber musician, instructor, and recording artist. While Dimitri Ashkenazy
did not play for Françaix in person, Françaix had high praise for his recording and met
with him on one occasion.5 John Finucane enjoys great success as a clarinetist and
conductor in Ireland and abroad. His recording of the concerto represents the most
recent recording that is commercially available. Charles Neidich is a world-renowned
clarinetist and conductor. Like Cuper, Neidich had a strong connection with Françaix.
While praising Neidich for his performance of the work, Françaix was quoted as having
described his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra as “our concerto.”6
The interviews with the selected performers are examined for similarities and
differences in philosophies, tempi, musical phrasing, articulations, dynamics, and
interpretation of cadenzas. In addition to the interviews, the commercial recordings of
3
Charles Neidich, interview by author, Norman, OK, March 15, 2012.
4
Weston, Clarinet Virtuosi of Today, 72-76.
5
Dimitri Ashkenazy, interview by author, Norman, OK, June 19, 2010.
6
Neidich, interview by author, Norman, OK, March 15, 2012.
3
Cuper, Askenazy, and Finucane are utilized for the discussions of their performance
practices. Each chapter incorporates background information about the performers as
well as their connections with Jean Françaix if applicable. At the conclusion of writing,
the author sent the artists their individual chapters for review and was able to receive
comments and additional information via email.
Specific passages from each movement of the concerto were chosen in order to
draw comparisons between each of the performers’ interpretations. These excerpts were
selected by the author who has spent time learning the work, and creating a reduction of
the piano score for personal use.7 The following questions were used as a guide for
selecting the excerpts: does the passage have thematic or melodic significance within
the movement, and does the excerpt present a great challenge or controversy for the
performer? While other passages are discussed, Table 1.1 contains a list of the excerpts
that were chosen for a comparative analysis between the performers.
7
A revised edition with corrected notes and markings in the clarinet part, along
with a new arrangement of the piano part, was submitted to Éditions Musicales
Transatlantiques by the author. According to an e-mail sent on June 21, 2011 by
Bernard Axelle, the heirs of Françaix did not grant permission for the new edition to be
published.
4
Table 1.1. A list of the selected passages for comparative analysis
Movement I Movement II Movement III Movement IV

1 to 2 20 to three measures Beginning to Thirteenth measure
––––––––––––– before 21 32 of 42 to 43
5 to 8 –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––
––––––––––––– 21 to the fourth One measure Third measure of
Six measures measure of 21 before 35 to 46 to the fourth
after 11 to 12 –––––––––––––––––– the fourth measure of 47
––––––––––––– Eighth measure of measure of 35 ––––––––––––––––
Nine measures the Trio to 26 Eleven measures
before 14 to 14 before 48 to 48
–––––––––––––
Four measures
after 14 to four
measure before
15
Review of Literature
Currently there are no dissertations or books, of which the author is aware, about
Jean Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. This presents an opportunity for
original research that could have a significant impact on clarinet pedagogues,
performers, and students who desire to have a better understanding of the work. Since
this document is limited to an in-depth analysis of performance practices, further
research in the area of theoretical analysis may prove useful for helping listeners and
performers understand the work better. A supplemental investigation of the advantages
or disadvantages of performing the work on A clarinet instead of B-flat clarinet could
be advantageous for performers. Finally, the need for a revised edition for clarinet and
piano, as well as the orchestral score, still exists. The author has chosen not to explore
these topics in great detail in the current document.
5
This document is modeled after similar performance practice writings by David
Etheridge, David Carter, Christina Giacona, and Miles Mitsuru Ishigaki.8 Similarities
and differences exist between the current document and those after which it is modeled.
Like Etheridge, Giacona, and Ishigaki’s work, this document discusses a musical
composition by a deceased composer. Therefore, the views of the composer regarding
specific passages in the composition are limited to writings by Françaix and secondary
sources. This differs from Carter’s document as John Corigliano is a living composer
who could be consulted about any discrepancies in the available editions of his
concerto.
Aside from the orchestral score, there is at the present time only one edition of
Françaix’s concerto with piano reduction published by Éditions Musicales
Transatlantiques. Unfortunately this edition is full of problems that have not been
corrected since the work was first published.9 However, the edition represents a
completely intact manuscript of the work.
8
David Carter, “Corigliano’s Clarinet Concerto: The Clarinetist’s View” (DMA
document, University of Oklahoma, 2008); David Etheridge, Mozart’s Clarinet
Concerto: The Clarinetist’s View (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company, 1998);
Christina Giacona, “A Study of Comparative Interpretations by Stanley Drucker, Elsa
Ludewig-Verdehr, Håkan Rosengren, and John Bruce Yeh of the Clarinet Concerto by
Carl Nielsen” (DMA document, University of Oklahoma, 2009); Miles Ishigaki, “A
Study of Comparative Interpretations of the Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo by Igor
Stravinsky” (DMA document, University of Oklahoma, 1988).
9
For a list of all of the errors in the current edition for clarinet and piano, as well
as the orchestral score, see Cuper, “Checking Points in the Jean Françaix ‘Clarinet
Concerto,’” 19-20.
6
Background of the Composer and the Concerto
Jean Françaix (1912-1997) came from a musical family in Le Mans, France, and
displayed precocious talent as a musician and composer from an early age. His musical
abilities were praised by the composer Maurice Ravel during Françaix’s childhood.
Inspired by this praise, and that of other composers, Françaix studied composition under
Nadia Boulanger at the Paris Conservatoire. In addition to his compositional studies,
Françaix furthered his ability as a pianist and won the premier prix in 1930. His
compositional output was prolific with over two-hundred works that utilized traditional
forms from the Common Practice Period. These works are exclusively tonal because he
did not think highly of atonality.10 Françaix’s attitude about contemporary music can be
seen in the following quote:
I wish I were Le Sage’s limping devil…so that I could go round lifting the roofs
of people’s houses where they are listening to some of these broadcasts of
contemporary music. I would like to bet that, after ten minutes, there are only
four or five people still listening—these being, the composer and the more
dedicated members of his family. Real contemporary music will only triumph
when it is no longer modern, in other words, in fifty years time, when it is no
longer attached to a series of “schools” and “isms.”11
Composed in 1967-68, shortly after his concerto for flute, Concerto for Clarinet
and Orchestra demonstrates Françaix’s great ability to compose for wind instruments.12
Like his L’horloge de Flore composed in 1959 for oboe and orchestra,13 his Concerto
10
Muriel Bellier, “Françaix, Jean,” in Grove Music Online, Oxford Music
Online, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/10083
(accessed June 14, 2011).
11
Jacques Lancelot, Jean Françaix: Concerto pour Clarinette et Orchestre,
Orchestre de Chambre de Nice, Pol Mule, dir., Inedits ORTF 995 019, LP, [1972?].
12
Bellier, “Françaix, Jean,” under “Works.”
13
Ibid.
7
for Clarinet and Orchestra has become one of his most famous concertos.14
Interestingly, the work was not dedicated to a particular clarinetist, but to Fernand
Oubradous, a conductor and bassoonist.15
The composer’s conception of Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra is very
colorful and comical. Françaix’s description of the work can be seen in the following
program note:
This concerto is, or at least I hope it is, amusing to listen to. It is a kind of
aerobatics display for the ear, complete with loops, wing-turns and nose-dives
which are fairly terrifying for the soloist, who needs to have a good stomach and
several thousand flying hours under his belt. I must say the poor fellow has been
given the full treatment, including a slow movement full of phrases with great
charm but little time for breathing—rather like a long glide in a plane which is
constantly on the verge of stalling. Finally, the pilot starts his noisy engines
again, but remains carefree to the point of swapping his airforce cap for the
revolving wig of a clown.16
Just as his view of the concerto was somewhat comical, his ideas about
theoretical designs in music are filled with a similar personality. In a brief biographical
sketch Françaix described his musical training and ideas regarding music theory by
saying:
My dodecaphonic ‘friends’ will tell you I am an extinct volcano, and I would be

reluctant to take issue with them. The only seal of approval I have is a
qualification from the Paris conservatoire; I have a few ribbons on my chest, as
do many others in France. My composition teacher Nadia Boulanger never
managed to teach me harmony or counterpoint, let alone fugue. To save her
reputation, she used to tell everyone I had mastered all these things at an
instinctive level. But if the truth be known, elegant theories are the last things on
14
Jacques Françaix, “Jean Françaix (1912-1997): Biodata,”
http://www.jeanfrancaix.org/ (accessed May 30, 2011).
15
Bruocsella Symphony Orchestra, “Jean Françaix’s Clarinet Concerto,”
http://www.bso-orchestra.be/francaix_concerto_clarinet_en.htm (accessed June 28,
2011).
16
Cuper, Copland/ Françaix/ Nielsen: Concertos for Clarinet & Orchestra, CD,
1992.
8
my mind when I compose. I am more interested in winding forest paths off the
beaten track of theory.17
While Françaix’s attitude about music theory seems carefree, there are
recognizable structural elements present in each of the movements of the concerto.
What follows is a brief discussion about the manner in which Françaix made use of the
concerto design, and his use of formal structures within each movement.
Western classical composers use the concerto as the most popular way of
combining solo instruments, or groups of soloists, with orchestral accompaniment. It
has a long history reaching back to the seventeenth-century, and has been used in
numerous innovative ways by composers. During the time of Mozart and Beethoven the
concerto employed structural elements that became common for composers of their
time and beyond. These are highlighted by Wallace Berry in Form in Music. First, the
influence of the dance suite on the concerto of the Baroque period was eventually
replaced by that of sonata form during the Classical period.18 Second, a three-movement
form (fast-slow-fast) was adopted during the Classical era and used afterward as a
commonly accepted mold.19 Third, the first movement began to make use of the
“double exposition,” which could also be used occasionally in other movements.20
Finally, the virtuosic display of the soloist in a cadenza often occurred in the outer
17
Bruocsella Symphony Orchetsra, “Jean Françaix, by Jean Françaix,”
http://www.bso-orchestra.be/francaix_autobio_en.htm (accessed June 6, 2011).
18
Wallace Berry, “Concerto,” in Form in Music, 2nd ed. (New Jersey: Prentice
Hall, 1986), 230.
19
Ibid., 231.
20
Ibid.
9
movements, and was commonly placed in the codas of these movements.21 While there
may have been other common traits in the solo concertos of the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries, the compositional practices mentioned above will be used as a
point of comparison to the manner in which Françaix utilizes the genre of the concerto.
Françaix uses the single-movement sonata form as the structure for the first
movement of his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (see Table 1.2). However, the
“double exposition” that was common prior to the twentieth-century is not used
anywhere in the work. Françaix utilizes a four-movement scheme strongly influenced
by multi-movement sonata form in place of the three-movement mold. The first
movement uses single-movement sonata form (see Table 1.2), the second movement is
in ternary form (see Table 1.3), the third movement consists of a continuous set of
theme and variations (see Table 1.4), and the last movement is a five-part rondo (see
Table 1.5). Finally, the outer movements of Françaix’s concerto contain cadenzas
similar to the concertos written prior to the twentieth-century. However, these cadenzas
are placed in locations other than the coda sections of the outer movements. Tables 1.2-
1.5 illustrate Françaix’s use of formal structures in each of the movements in the
concerto. While there are no measure numbers in the current edition for clarinet and
piano, each measure was numbered for the sake of this analysis.
21
Ibid., 232-33.
10
Table 1.2. Sonata form in the first movement
Exposition Development
Thematic Primary Secondary Thematic material
Intro. Trans.
Groups Theme Theme developed from Exposition
Measure # 1-4 5-24 24-42 43-72 73-108
Recapitulation
Thematic Primary Secondary
Trans. Cadenza Coda
Groups Theme Theme
Measure # 109-120 121-129 130-177 178-198 199-207
Table 1.3. Ternary form in the second movement
Thematic Groups A B A
Measure # 1-134 135-250 Repeat of 13-134
Table 1.4. Continuous theme and variations in the third movement
Thematic Groups Intro. Theme Var. 1 Var. 2 Var. 3 Coda

Measure # 1-12 13-28 29-44 45-54 55-70 71-93
Table 1.5. Five-part rondo in the fourth movement
Thematic Groups Intro. A B Cadenza A′

Measure # 1-4 5-57 58-113 114-145 146-165
Thematic Groups C Cadenza A′′ Coda

Measure # 166-204 205-215 216-230 231-243
Specific references to passages from the concerto in the following chapters will
be cited with the rehearsal numbers that are in the current edition for clarinet and piano.
All of the musical examples are based on the clarinet part from the current edition for
clarinet and piano with the exception of figure 2.13, which comes from the piano part of
11
the same score. References to musical terms that are marked in the score for clarinet and
piano are italicized, while those that are used to describe a performers’ interpretation of
the music are in normal font. All references to pitches from the clarinet part in B-flat are
as they appear in the current score for clarinet and piano, not as concert pitches.
12
Chapter 2: Philippe Cuper
Background of the Performer
Philippe Cuper was born in the northern French town of Lille in 1957. His
musical training began in the town of Marcq-en-Baroeul22 at the age of twelve after
being taught solfège by his mother. Despite Cuper’s desire to learn the accordion or
trumpet, Gilbert Voisin inspired Cuper and became his first clarinet teacher.23 In
addition to studying with Voisin, Cuper attended summer sessions at the Nice
International Summer Academy taught by Jacques Lancelot, the world premiere
performer of Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra.24 After studying with
Voisin, Cuper moved to Paris and studied with world-renowned clarinetists Guy
Dangain, Ulysse Delecluse, Guy Deplus, and Henri Druart.25 In addition to studying
with these clarinetists, Cuper served as first clarinetist for the French air force band and
the Concerts Lamoureux. While serving as principal clarinetist for the Concerts
Lamoureux, Cuper studied musicology at the Sorbonne and clarinet at the Paris
Conservatoire under Guy Dangain. After graduating from the Conservatoire in 1980,
Cuper joined the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine and the World Youth Orchestra
22
Philippe Cuper, e-mail message to author, March 19, 2012.
23
Weston, Clarinet Virtuosi of Today, 72-74.
24
1992.
25
Weston, Clarinet Virtuosi of Today, 74.
13
while continuing to study clarinet with Henri Druart.26 In addition to playing with the
orchestras mentioned above, Cuper has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic
Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, and the Scala di Milano Orchestra as principal
clarinetist.27 As a teacher, he has served as a clarinet instructor in France and abroad.
After teaching at the Conservatorio Superieur de Aragon in Spain, Cuper joined the
faculty at the Versailles National Conservatory where he currently teaches. In addition,
Cuper serves as the principal clarinetist for the Paris Opera Orchestra.28
Philippe Cuper began learning Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra
at the early age of sixteen at the Nice International Summer Academy.29 After
approximately a decade of practicing the concerto, Cuper met Françaix during a
rehearsal of Françaix’s Octet and began to collaborate with the composer. Françaix
graciously invited Cuper to his apartment in Paris several times to discuss the work and
listen to Cuper practice various passages from the concerto. At the culmination of this
collaborative process, Cuper invited Françaix to conduct the Orchestre de Bretagne for
his recorded performance of the work in 1992. Cuper also wrote an article about the
concerto that provides a list of errors in the current edition for clarinet and piano as well
26
1992.
27
Cuper, e-mail message to author, March 19, 2012.
28
Ibid.
29
Unless otherwise indicated, all quotes and information about Philippe Cuper
and his performance practices come from Philippe Cuper, interview by author, Austin,
TX, July 22, 2010.
14
as the orchestral score.30 These mistakes still remain in the scores, despite Cuper’s and
Françaix’s joint efforts. Cuper’s article, recorded performance, and interview with the
author will be incorporated into the following analysis of Cuper’s performance practices
for the concerto.
Movement I
The tempo markings for each of the movements of the concerto place a high
demand for virtuosity on the performer. According to Cuper, these markings are
actually faster than the composer originally intended. In his article about the concerto,
Cuper describes his first rehearsal with Françaix and the orchestra by saying:
After a few bars I stopped and asked M. Françaix why the orchestra was playing
slower than the indicated tempo. I told him that I had been working on the
concerto for 18 years to try to play it at his written tempo…Françaix responded
by telling me that when he had composed the concerto he had an old metronome
that had not worked correctly, but he did not know this at the time of
publication.31
Although the printed tempo of the first movement is quarter note equals 132, Cuper (in
consultation with Françaix) suggests that the actual tempo is quarter note equals 120-
126.32 Cuper believes that the original marking is too fast for aural clarity and adds that
Françaix was not strict about tempi in the same way that composers such as Stravinsky
or Boulez were in their works. Cuper suggests that the tempi for each movement should
30
Cuper, “Checking Points in the Jean Françaix ‘Clarinet Concerto,’” 19-21.
31
Ibid., 19.
32
Ibid., 20.
15
be determined by the ability of the performer to make sense of the work acoustically in
whatever concert hall they are performing it in.
Philippe Cuper’s approach to phrasing throughout the concerto is loyal to the
printed score. According to Cuper, any variance in dynamic levels from what is in the
printed score should be very minimal. In the presentation of the primary theme from 1
to 2, Cuper follows the printed mezzo piano dynamic.33 However, he does increase the
volume slightly where the melodic line naturally rises (see fig. 2.1).
Figure 2.1. Philippe Cuper’s interpretation of the primary theme starting at 1
Cuper performs the secondary theme from 5 to one measure before 8 with no
deviation from the printed dynamic levels (see fig. 2.2). He does not make use of any
rubato in the secondary theme, but maintains the rhythmic integrity of the line as
33
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to rehearsal numbers and markings
in the concerto come from Jean Françaix, Concerto pour Clarinette et Orchestre:
Réduction pour Clarinette et Piano (Paris: Éditions Musicales Transatlantiques, 1968).
16
printed in the score. Additionally, Cuper successfully maintained a very soft dynamic
level throughout the secondary theme in his recorded performance, which led Françaix
to praise Cuper for his “velvety pianissimi.”34
Figure 2.2. The secondary theme from 5 to 8
34
1992.
17
Six measures after 11 the clarinet plays an accompanimental figure that leads to
the recapitulation starting at 12 (see fig. 2.4). According to Cuper, the printed dynamic
marking of ppp is too soft for the soloist in this passage. Instead, he believes it is
important to bring this passage out more, and balance with the orchestra. Despite the
technical difficulty of the passage, Cuper does not pull back the tempo. To facilitate a
slightly easier technique, Cuper fingers the chalumeau E-flats with the one and one
fingering in the sixth measure of 11 (see fig. 2.3). He performs the rest of the passage
with normal fingerings. While the accompanimental figure is very fast, Cuper believes
that the changes in harmony need to be brought out by emphasizing the first two notes
of each of the harmonic shifts (see fig. 2.4).
Figure 2.3. One and one chalumeau E-flat fingering
18
Figure 2.4. Accompanimental passage starting six measures after 11
Cuper plays the cadenza beginning ten measures after 13 In Tempo as written.
Twenty measures after 13 the tempo is marked In tempo, ma a piacere. According to
Cuper, from this point through the rest of the cadenza, the performer has more room to
interpret the music freely.
Of great importance is Cuper’s interpretation of the tremolo passage starting
nine measures before 14. Cuper treats the tremolos as being precisely measured thirty-
second notes. He emphasizes the accented notes to bring out the reference to the
secondary theme from the exposition. According to what Françaix told Cuper, there are
two tremolos that are incorrectly printed. Five measures before 14, the tremolo from
19
low E-flat to A-natural should read low F-natural to A-natural. The next tremolo from
F-natural to G-natural should read E-flat to G-natural (see fig. 2.5).
Figure 2.5. Cuper’s interpretation of the tremolo passage starting nine bars before 14
*The current edition for clarinet and piano reads E-flat to A.

**The current edition for clarinet and piano reads F to G.
Cuper does not suggest any alternate fingerings for the technically difficult
passages in the cadenza. He believes that fingerings need to be chosen based on the
player and the instrument they play on. For Cuper it is not problematic to play the
passage starting in the fourth measure of 14 with standard fingerings (see fig. 2.6). In
his recording, Cuper pulls back the tempo for the last two notes to facilitate a smoother
entrance for the bassoons at the Tempo Primo.
20
Figure 2.6. The technically difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14
Movement II
Printed errors exist in the second movement as discussed in Cuper’s article.35
One mistake that was not addressed in his article occurs in the fourth and fifth measures
of 18. According to Cuper, a slur is missing between the two measures (see fig. 2.7). He
adds that the tempo marking is brisker than Françaix originally intended, and should be
dotted quarter-note equals 69 to 72.36 This slower tempo accommodates better aural
clarity and is less technically demanding.
Figure 2.7. Corrected articulation in the fourth and fifth measures of 18
35
Cuper, “Checking Points in the Jean Françaix ‘Clarinet Concerto,’” 20.
36
Ibid.
21
Cuper believes that the second movement is a straight forward Scherzando that
does not contain any musically complicated passages. Like his interpretation of the first
movement, Cuper is faithful to carefully observe the printed markings in the score. He
plays the melody beginning at 20 without any changes in dynamic levels in his
recording (see fig. 2.8).
Figure 2.8. The melodic line beginning at 20
Although Cuper does not think there are any important phrases in this movement
for the soloist, he does believe that a careful observance of the printed articulations in
the third measure of 21 is crucial (see fig. 2.9). This is due to the difficult nature of the
measure, which Cuper thinks is easy to play incorrectly.
Figure 2.9. Difficult articulation in the third measure of 21
22
Cuper’s interpretation of the melody beginning in the eighth measure of the Trio
contains no dynamic changes, and strictly follows the articulation markings. This is
showcased by his rendering of the staccato eighth-notes after the triplet sixteenth-notes,
which are played short in Cuper’s recording (see fig. 2.10).
Figure 2.10. Cuper’s interpretation of the melody beginning in the eighth bar of the Trio
Movement III
In Cuper’s recording, the tempo of the third movement is slightly slower than
the printed tempo of a quarter-note equals 76. According to Cuper, Françaix suggested a
tempo range of quarter-note equals 63-72.37 Cuper adds that a relationship between the
tempi of the second and third movements exists. He states, “Here, there is a sort of
rapport with the tempo of the second movement. The tempo of the beat here is equal to
the tempo of a bar of the second movement.”38 Additionally, Cuper believes it is
important to faithfully observe the tempo without applying any rubato since rubato is
not indicated in the score.
37
Ibid.
38
Ibid.
23
Breath control is an issue that performers face when playing the introductory
phrase and the presentation of the theme starting at 31 (see fig. 2.11). Cuper does not
recommend breaking these phrases up into smaller parts, but advocates playing each of
them in one breath. If a performer does not have the lung capacity to perform the
phrases in one breath, Cuper suggests using circular breathing.
Figure 2.11. Introductory phrase and the first phrase of the theme starting at 31
The melody beginning one measure before 35 is challenging to play in tune as it
is in the upper register at a very soft dynamic level (see fig. 2.12). In this case, Cuper
recommends finding fingerings that will avoid the tendency to play sharp. This is
especially true for the last two grace-notes leading into 35. While he does not promote
the use of any specific alternate fingerings, Cuper does adjust the intonation as needed
with embouchure and tongue position.
24
Figure 2.12. Melody beginning one measure before 35
Movement IV
According to Cuper, there is a relationship that exists between the first and
fourth movements in regard to tempi. At rehearsal 46 there is an appearance of the
primary theme from the first movement, which plays a large role in determining the
tempo for the fourth movement. While the printed tempo is dotted quarter-note equals
138, Françaix suggests a tempo of dotted quarter-note equals 126 to 132.39 However,
Cuper points out that Françaix’s proposed tempo is slightly faster than the tempo for the
first movement. Cuper explains this discrepancy by saying, “for him [Françaix] this first
theme from the first movement is remembered as a ‘souvenir’ only.”40
The fourth movement presents a dilemma in terms of the pulse. While a large
portion of the movement is printed in 6/8 time with a suggested pulse of two beats per
measure, the underlying orchestral accompaniment is strongly felt in 3/4
(see fig. 2.13). The feeling of being in three is encouraged further by the grace-notes in
39
Ibid.
40
Ibid.
25
the melodic line of the clarinet in the first two measures of the movement (see fig.
2.14). Cuper, however, does not feel the movement in three when he is performing the
work. Instead, he believes that Françaix intended for there to be an ambiguity in the
pulse. Although Cuper feels the movement in two beats per measure, he is not opposed
to the idea of practicing the movement in three.
Figure 2.13. Piano reduction of the accompaniment starting eight measures before 36
Figure 2.14. The first two measures of the clarinet part felt in 3/4
According to Cuper, the first cadenza begins thirteen measures after 42 and lasts
until the a Tempo, risoluto six measures before 43. While it is not marked as a cadenza
in the printed score, Cuper claims this is an error.41 Cuper allows for only a slight
amount of interpretive freedom in the cadenza and maintains that it is important to
follow the composer’s markings very carefully. He begins by playing the first eight
41
Ibid.
26
measures of the cadenza in the original tempo. Starting in the ninth measure of the
cadenza, Cuper pulls the tempo back and then begins to gradually increase the tempo
until the twelfth measure of the cadenza (see fig. 2.15). From the thirteenth measure
onward, Cuper is careful to follow Françaix’s markings. However, he adds a forte
dynamic mark eleven measures before 43 that Françaix told him was missing from the
printed score (see fig. 2.16).42
Figure 2.15. Measures 9-12 in the first cadenza
Figure 2.16. Forte dynamic marking added eleven measures before 43
Another passage that Cuper cites as being significant occurs from the third
measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47 (see fig. 2.17). Within this passage there is a
42
Ibid.
27
presentation of the primary theme from the first movement, and a technically
demanding passage for the orchestra that follows. Cuper’s interpretation of this passage
is mostly loyal to the printed markings; however, starting two measures before 47, he
pulls the tempo back. According to Cuper, Françaix conducted this section slower since
the trumpet part is difficult to play in tempo. Cuper returns to the original tempo in the
fifth measure of 47.
Figure 2.17. Third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47
*In the current edition for clarinet and piano this is erroneously marked as an eighth-
note equals a dotted eighth-note. 43
43
Ibid.
28
According to Cuper, the second cadenza begins eleven measures after 47 and
lasts until one measure before 48 (see fig. 2.18). Like the first cadenza, the second
cadenza is not marked in the current edition for clarinet and piano. Cuper cites this as
being another error in the part.44 He plays the three measures preceding the cadenza in
tempo; however, Cuper points out that it is tempting for a performer to treat them as
part of the cadenza because of similar thematic material. Consistent with his
interpretation of the rest of the concerto, Cuper follows what is in the printed part very
carefully. He believes this cadenza contains a dialogue between two characters
represented by the markings affectuoso and risoluto. Therefore, it is important to
carefully observe these markings and the dynamics associated with them.
44
Ibid.
29
Figure 2.18. The eighth measure of 47 to 48
*The current edition for clarinet and piano contains an ossia with notes printed an
octave below. However, Cuper plays the upper notes as seen in the example above.
Closing Remarks
Cuper's opinions regarding the difficulty of the work and its reception in France
are worthy of note. He states that it is important to study all of the works written by
Françaix involving the clarinet. Cuper specifically mentions Françaix’s Tema con
Variazioni as an example. Tema con Variazioni, dedicated to his grandson Olivier,
30
contains a childlike innocence and humor similar to the concerto.45 While they do not
share the same formal structure, they both utilize traditional forms from the eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries, and a colorful harmonic language influenced by French jazz.
Most importantly, both works require a high level of technical proficiency from the
performer that needs to be balanced with sensitive musical phrasing.
Cuper mentions the fact that the concerto was not performed often, or
appreciated, during Françaix’s lifetime. The main reason for the lack of performances
was the difficult nature of the work. Cuper adds that during Françaix’s life, composers
of less conservative contemporary music, such as Boulez, dominated the musical
landscape in France. This caused performers in France to overlook Françaix’s music,
although Françaix believed that his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra would be
appreciated in the future.
As mentioned earlier, there is a need to investigate whether it would be
technically easier to perform the concerto on an A clarinet. Cuper mentions a
conversation with Françaix where he asked the composer why he did not write the
concerto for A clarinet and Tema con Variazioni for B-flat clarinet. According to Cuper,
Françaix was not dogmatic about which clarinet the concerto is performed on. If the
work is easier to play on an A clarinet, play it on an A clarinet. Cuper even jokingly
mentions the possibility of transposing the work for C clarinet if it made the work easier
for performers.
Cuper points out that there are numerous bad interpretations of Françaix’s
concerto. He adds that these misinterpretations of the work are rooted in the desires of
45
Jean Françaix, Tema con Variazioni: pour clarinette en la et piano (Paris:
Éditions Max Eschig, 1974), 1.
31
performers to deviate from what Françaix wrote in the score. Such performers “use the
music to serve themselves rather than the composer.”46
Cuper’s philosophy is primarily driven by the belief that it is important to
remain faithful to the score in order to avoid diminishing the artistic voice of the
composer. While the tempi are misprinted, he follows the advice that he received while
collaborating with Françaix, and does not play faster or slower than recommended.
Additionally, Cuper does not see the need to add embellishments such as glissandi to
enhance the comical nature of the work, unlike some of the other artists that will be
discussed. His informed and detail-oriented interpretation serves as a fantastic example
of a performance of the work as the composer intended it, and makes him a great base
to begin comparing other interpretations with.
46
Cuper, e-mail message to author, March 19, 2012.
32
Chapter 3: Dimitri Ashkenazy
Dimitri Ashkenazy was born in New York in 1969—a year after Jean Françaix
composed his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. Growing up in a musical household
with three pianists, his father Vladimir Ashkenazy, his mother Thorunn Johannsdottir47
and his brother Vovka Ashkenazy, one would expect Dimitri to follow in their
footsteps. While Dimitri began studying piano at the early age of six, he also became
fascinated with the clarinet. This fascination led to his study of the instrument under
Giambattista Sisini at the Conservatory of Lucerne.48 In addition to his thirteen years of
study with Sisini, Ashkenazy received a handful of lessons with Franklin Cohen,
principal clarinet of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.49
After completing his training, Ashkenazy built a vast reputation as a touring
artist. His solo and chamber music performances have taken place all over the globe
with world-famous chamber groups and orchestras. In addition to touring the world,
Ashkenazy has been sought after as a master class instructor and as a recording artist.
47
Dimitri Ashkenazy, e-mail message to author, March 29, 2012.
48
Dimitri Ashkenazy, “Dimitri Ashkenazy, Clarinet,”
http://www.dimitriashkenazy.net/ (accessed March 13, 2012).
49
Unless otherwise indicated, all quotes and information about Dimitri
Ashkenazy and his performance practices come from Dimitri Ashkenazy, interview by
author, Norman, OK, June 19, 2010.
33
On occasion he has collaborated with his brother and father in live and recorded
performances.50
Although Ashkenazy did not collaborate with Jean Françaix on his recording of
the concerto, he did send a copy of his recording to Françaix who had high praise for
the performance. After recording the concerto, Ashkenazy was able to meet Françaix in
Paris for a brief visit. During this time, they listened to Philippe Cuper’s recording and
enjoyed casual conversation. Through this experience Ashkenazy gained greater insight
into the composer and his music, which would shape the way he performed future
performances of Françaix’s music.
According to Ashkenazy, Françaix’s “warm” and “simple” personality had an
influence on him. Ashkenazy points out that these character traits are prevalent in
Françaix’s music, and describes Françaix’s music by saying that it is easily accessible to
the listener. He adds that despite the simplicity of the music, there is a more profound
side to it as well. According to Ashkenazy, the concerto embodies all of the traits of a
great comedy. While the humorous side of the work draws performers and listeners to
appreciate the lighter side of life, he believes that Françaix’s concerto also contains
moments of deeper reflection. Ashkenazy cites the third movement as containing the
greatest moment of introspection, while the other movements only contain fleeting
periods of deep contemplation. He adds that these moments of reflection enhance the
comical nature of the rest of the work by providing a contrast.
Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the concerto is influenced by Christoph Mueller,
conductor of the Cincinnati Philharmonia Orchestra. Mueller’s suggestions about the
50
Dimitri Ashkenazy, “Dimitri Ashkenazy, Clarinet” (accessed March 13,
2012).
34
music were insightful, and Ashkenazy still incorporates Mueller’s ideas into his
performances of the concerto with other orchestras.
Movement I
Ashkenazy bases his musical decisions for the concerto on the current edition
for clarinet and piano. While Ashkenazy did not collaborate with Françaix in regard to
correct notes and tempi, his own artistic knowledge gave him guidance in regard to
these areas. Ashkenazy believes that the printed tempo marking for the first movement
is too fast, and leads to performances that are “acoustically nonsensical.” He adds that
slightly pulling back the tempo allows the beauty of the composition and its harmonic
changes to be highlighted. According to Ashkenazy, performing the work too fast for
the sake of showing off the technical abilities of the performer does not allow the
listener to have an informed understanding of the musical content. He recommends
performing the first movement at approximately a quarter-note equals 120-126. His
final decision regarding tempo in the first movement, however, depends upon the
orchestra, the conductor with whom he is working, the hall in which he is performing,
and when he is performing the work.
The manner in which Ashkenazy approaches musical phrases in the concerto is
somewhat faithful to what is in the printed score for clarinet and piano. He uses his
musical artistry to guide him in shaping melodic lines, and at times bends or stretches
the tempo to enhance the colorful harmonic changes in the music. For Ashkenazy, the
presentation of the primary thematic material from 1 to 2 is the first part of a gradual
35
build in dynamics from the beginning to a fortissimo climax four measures before 5
(see fig. 3.1).
Figure 3.1. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the primary theme beginning at 1
Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the secondary theme from 5 to one measure
before 8 is influenced by the colorful harmonic changes that accompany the melody.
While he is loyal to the markings in the part, he varies the tempo slightly to bring out
the changes in harmony. Of great importance to Ashkenazy are the two eighth notes
leading into 7, and the two eighth notes leading into the seventh measure of 7 (see fig.
3.2). He pulls the tempo back slightly on these eighth notes to accentuate the harmony
on the downbeat that follows.
36
Figure 3.2. Two measures before 7 to one measure before 8
Ashkenazy interprets the accompanimental passage beginning in the sixth
measure of 11 as it is marked in the clarinet part. He thinks in groups of two sixteenth-
notes starting in the eighth measure of 11 (see fig. 3.3). Ashkenazy believes this helps
to facilitate smoother technique in this passage. Like Cuper, he uses the one and one
chalumeau E-flat fingering (see fig. 2.3, pg. 19) in the sixth measure of 11 to make the
technically difficult line easier to play (see fig. 3.3).
37
Figure 3.3. Accompanimental passage in the sixth bar of 11 to two measures before 12
Ashkenazy’s musical interpretation of the cadenza follows the printed score
closely. He performs the beginning of the cadenza as marked In tempo. Ashkenazy
believes the articulations should be carefully observed to mimic the character of the
bassoon, which plays similar underlying figures throughout the first movement.
Beginning with the grace-note pickups into the twenty-first measure of 13, where it is
marked In tempo, ma a piacere, Ashkenazy pulls the tempo back to bring out the
secondary theme from the exposition. Starting seventeen measures before 14
Ashkenazy slows the tempo down further to make a grand presentation of the primary
theme, and to allow for acoustical clarity in the melody.
38
According to Ashkenazy, the tremolo passage that begins nine measures before
14 is also slower. Ashkenazy suggests that the tempo of this section should be based on
how fast the performer can play the tremolos and bring out the accented notes. While he
clearly observes the accented notes, Ashkenazy is careful to maintain the ppp dynamic
mark in the printed part. Five measures before 14 he plays a tremolo from low F-natural
to G-natural instead of the printed low E-flat to A-natural (see fig. 3.4). This is because
he performs the work on a standard B-flat clarinet that does not have a low E-flat
extension. Ashkenazy adds that Italian opera clarinetists use clarinets with low E-flat
extensions when they prefer to play an entire opera on one clarinet and transpose when
needed. In this case B-flat clarinets need this extension to cover the lowest note of an A
clarinet.
Figure 3.4. The tremolo passage starting nine measures before 14
*The current edition for clarinet and piano reads E-flat to A-natural.
39
Starting with the a Tempo two measures before 14, Ashkenazy plays slightly
under tempo through the rest of the cadenza. He does not believe this portion of the
cadenza should be played rigidly in tempo, but should have the feeling of searching for
something before being resolved four measures before 15. Therefore, for the difficult
passage beginning in the fourth measure of 14, Ashkenazy plays the first four notes
slightly slower in his recording with the Cincinnati Philharmonia Orchestra before
increasing the tempo (see fig. 3.5). For the last eight notes of the cadenza, he suggests
that the performer needs to make eye contact with the conductor and pull the tempo
back slightly in order to facilitate a smooth entrance for the bassoons starting in the
fourth measure before 15.
Figure 3.5. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the technically difficult passage starting in the
fourth measure of 14
Movement II
Ashkenazy’s tempo in the second movement is governed by the ability of the
musicians in an orchestra to communicate their parts clearly. He believes the tempo
40
marking of dotted quarter-note equals 84 is too fast. Ashkenazy adds that the
appropriate tempo for this movement is dictated by the ability of the performers in the
orchestra, especially the oboes, to perform the first ten measures of the movement. He
believes that the chosen tempo should strike a balance between allowing the music to be
communicated clearly, and remaining fast enough to keep up the energy and excitement
of the movement. While every orchestra is different, Ashkenazy recommends a tempo
of dotted quarter-note equals 74.
Ashkenazy believes that the melody beginning at 20 is musically important
since it represents the most melodic line in the second movement outside of the Trio
section (see fig. 3.6). While he believes it is important to maintain a steady tempo
throughout, Ashkenazy pulls back slightly on the first two eighth-notes in the fourth
measure of 20. Taking time on these eighth-notes allows Ashkenazy to accentuate the
climax of the melody.
Figure 3.6. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the melody beginning at 20
Like Cuper, Ashkenazy acknowledges that the articulation in the third measure
of 21 is difficult to execute correctly. In order to play this measure accurately,
Ashkenazy regroups the notes in his mind in the pattern of 2+3+3+1 to facilitate easier
technique (see fig. 3.7). Just as Ashkenazy does not alter the tempo or rhythms in the
41
accompanimental passage in the first movement (see fig. 3.3), he plays this passage
with rhythmic precision.
Figure 3.7. Ashkenazy’s mental regrouping in the third measure of 21
Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the melody beginning in the eighth measure of the
Trio is unique (see fig. 3.8). While he is careful to play the correct notes and rhythms in
the clarinet part, he adds a slight glissando whenever an eighth-note is slurred into a
quarter-note. He believes this helps to enhance the comical nature of the movement. In
addition to bringing out this humorous quality, Ashkenazy pulls back slightly on the last
two eighth-notes in the measure before 26 to facilitate a smooth entrance for the
orchestra.
Figure 3.8. Ashkenazy’s interpretation beginning in the eighth measure of the Trio
42
Movement III
Movement three represents a deep moment of reflection within the concerto.
The printed tempo of quarter-note equals 76 is slightly too fast according to Ashkenazy.
He believes this tempo does not allow the listener to appreciate the flourishes and
colorful harmonic changes in the clarinet part. Ashkenazy maintains that the printed
tempo causes the grace-notes and trills to sound frantic rather than allowing the music
to flow naturally. He suggests a tempo of quarter-note equals 69, although he has
performed the work at a slower tempo.
Breath control is an issue that performers face from the beginning of the
movement to 32 as mentioned earlier (see fig. 3.9). Since Ashkenazy believes the
tempo should be slower, the problem of breathing becomes an even greater challenge.
He does not think it is problematic to break the slurred line in places for the sake of
breathing, and does not believe circular breathing is necessary. Ashkenazy carefully
plans where to breathe based on what is occurring in the accompanimental parts, and is
careful to avoid interrupting the flow of the theme when it is prominent. To accomplish
this, Ashkenazy takes a breath after the first eighth-note in the fourth measure (see fig.
3.9). In the sixth measure of 31 he listens carefully for the change of notes in the
woodwinds and breathes after the dotted quarter-note. This breath allows him to pull
back slightly on the last two quarter-notes in the eighth measure of 31. Since the tempo
is slow enough to breathe during an eighth rest, Ashkenazy takes a breath during the
eighth rest six measures before 32. If needed, he adds a breath after the quarter-note
three measures before 32. This breath allows him to pull the tempo back slightly one
measure before 32.
43
Figure 3.9. The beginning of the third movement to one measure before 32
Ashkenazy believes it is important to find fingerings that help facilitate smooth
technique and promote good intonation starting in the measure before 35. He addresses
the technical issue of the grace-notes in the measure before 35 by fingering the C-sharp
grace-note that leads to the eighth-note B-natural with side keys one and two (see fig.
3.10). Since the dynamic marking is very soft at 35, and the clarinet is playing in the
altissimo register, Ashkenazy occasionally fingers the last D-sharp at 35 with a unique
fingering that addresses the issue of intonation (see fig. 3.11). In addition to using these
fingerings, he pulls the tempo back slightly for the last two grace-notes leading into 35
to aid smoother technique and enhance the musical phrasing (see fig. 3.12).
44
Figure 3.10. C-sharp fingering for the B to C-sharp grace-notes one measure before 35
Figure 3.11. D-sharp fingering for the last D-sharp at 35
Figure 3.12. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the melody starting one measure before 35
45
Movement IV
Like Cuper, Ashkenazy acknowledges the connection between the tempo of the
first movement and the presentation of the primary theme at 46 in the fourth movement.
Instead of thinking of the tempo being slightly faster in the fourth movement,
Ashkenazy pulls the tempo back considerably to allow the music to communicate itself
more clearly. The printed tempo of dotted quarter-note equals 138 is “insane” according
to Ashkenazy. This tempo does not allow the music to make sense acoustically, and is
not practical for the soloist or the orchestra. He recommends a tempo of dotted quarter-
note equals 112. Like Cuper, Ashkenazy primarily feels the pulse of this movement in
two instead of three. However, he occasionally feels the pulse as one beat per measure.
Such moments are spontaneous rather than being carefully planned.
Ashkenazy believes that the onset of the first cadenza is a gradual process
instead of an immediate arrival. He adds that there is a slight ambiguity that takes place
starting in the thirteenth measure of 42 until the twentieth measure of 42. This section
continues the musical idea that precedes it. Since the soloist is alone in this passage,
Ashkenazy believes there is a temporary feeling of being lost. In the twenty-first
measure of 42 the music suddenly goes in another direction. It is at this point that
Ashkenazy says, “You suddenly figure out that you have landed in a cadenza rather
than that a cadenza starts and is quite clear.” Just as the cadenza begins in this fashion,
it ends in a similar manner. Ashkenazy points out that the passage six measures before
43 to 43 is somewhat ambiguous in nature since it is unaccompanied, but does not seem
to completely belong to the cadenza (see fig. 3.13). Since these measures are fairly
vague in character, Ashkenazy believes it is acceptable to freely interpret the tempo
46
marking six measures before 43, where it is marked a Tempo, risoluto. Ashkenazy
begins the passage slightly under the original tempo in order to leave room to build up
to the end of the cadenza at 43. He adds that this may also help ease any anxiety a
performer may experience at this moment, and facilitate a smoother transition into 43.
Additionally, Ashkenazy pulls the tempo back on the last three eighth-notes fourteen
measures before 43, and builds the tempo through the measures that follow until the
printed dim. e rall. poco a poco eleven bars before 43 (see fig. 3.13).
Figure 3.13. Fourteen measures before 43 to 43
47
The passage beginning in the third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47 is
significant to the overall structure of the concerto according to Ashkenazy (see fig.
3.14). He points out that it encapsulates the content of the first three movements before
resuming the “circus theme” of the fourth movement starting in the fifth measure of 47.
Mentally he breaks these measures down by movement: the first movement appearing
in the third measure of 46 to three before 47, the second movement appearing from two
before 47 to the downbeat of 47, and the third movement appearing at 47 to four
measures after 47. Unlike Cuper, Ashkenazy does not pull the tempo back two
measures before 47 to accommodate the difficult trumpet part. This may be due to the
fact that he plays the movement slightly slower overall, making such a concession
unnecessary.
48
Figure 3.14. The third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47
Ashkenazy does not believe that the second cadenza beginning eleven measures
before 48 is a standard cadenza (see fig. 3.15). Even though the texture is narrowed
down to the soloist, he does not feel this passage exists to show off the technical
abilities of the performer. Instead, he views this passage as being “a short moment of
reflection before the coda starts.” Ashkenazy adds that this moment of reflection
contains a dialogue between two characters. Like Cuper, he views these two characters
as being represented by the risoluto and affectuoso markings. The affectuoso character
has a pleading quality to it compared to the risoluto character which is more
“resolute.”51 Ashkenazy enhances the humorous nature of this passage by playing a
slight glissando between the altissimo A-natural and A-sharp two measures before 48.
51
Ashkenazy, e-mail message to author, March 29, 2012.
49
He accomplishes this glissando by fingering the altissimo A-natural (see fig. 3.16a) and
rolling off of the left thumb hole and adding the left hand little finger C-sharp/G-sharp
key to arrive at the altissimo A-sharp (see fig. 3.16b).
Figure 3.15. Ashkenazy’s interpretation of the second cadenza starting eleven bars
before 48
Figure 3.16. Altissimo A and A-sharp fingerings
a. b.
50
Closing Remarks
Dimitri Ashkenazy’s musical interpretation of the concerto brings out Françaix’s
carefree humor and his unfettered outlook on life. Ashkenazy’s use of subtle
embellishments such as the glissandi in the second and fourth movements adds to the
humorous nature of the work. In addition to bringing out the comical aspect of the
work, Ashkenazy believes there is a more contemplative side of the concerto.
Ashkenazy demonstrates this tenet with his beautiful and reflective interpretation of the
third movement in two ways. First, his choice of a slower tempo allows him and the
audience to enjoy each musical moment. Secondly, his decision to highlight a dialogue
between the orchestral woodwinds and the soloist brings out the timbres of the
instruments, while exploring the nuances of each musical phrase. All of Ashkenazy’s
technical and musical decisions are rooted in a deeply philosophical approach to the
concerto. They allow him to celebrate the musical qualities of the work in an
interpretation that goes beyond technical brilliance and focuses on musical integrity and
clarity of sound.
51
Chapter 4: John Finucane
John Finucane’s musical journey began with piano lessons in Dublin, Ireland, at
an early age.52 Although his piano teacher, Sean Lynch, was grooming him to become a
great pianist, Finucane quit his study of the piano in favor of the clarinet after a local
priest sparked his interest in the instrument. Inspired to further his knowledge of the
clarinet, Finucane studied with James Daly, bass clarinetist of the National Orchestra of
Ireland, and occasionally took lessons with Brian O’Rourke, principal clarinet of the
National Orchestra of Ireland. After studying music theory at Trinity College for three
years, Finucane was offered a job as a clarinetist for the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. It was
during this time that Finucane occasionally visited London and studied with Colin
Bradbury, principal clarinetist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and clarinetist
Anthony Pay, a freelance artist. In addition to his studies in London, the RTÉ Concert
Orchestra provided ample opportunities for Finucane to perform as a soloist for live and
televised audiences. After extensive work with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Finucane
became the principal Clarinet for the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra in 1995.53
Finucane currently serves as a faculty member at the Royal Irish Academy of
Music in Dublin and is in great demand as a recitalist and conductor. His work as a
conductor has involved working with the Hibernian Orchestra, the RTÉ National
Symphony Orchestra, and Irish Film Orchestras. As a conductor for Irish Film
52
Unless otherwise indicated, all quotes and information about John Finucane
and his performance practices come from John Finucane, interview by author, Norman,
OK, March 5, 2012.
53
John Finucane, Clarinet Variations, CD, 2009.
52
Orchestras, Finucane has conducted recording sessions for the films Rua and Secret
Garden.54
Finucane’s first experience performing Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and
Orchestra occurred approximately twenty years ago with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
conducted by Proinnsias O’Duinn. While Finucane never consulted another clarinetist
or Françaix about the concerto, his collaboration with O’Duinn influenced his
interpretation of the work. The combination of O’Duinn’s “light and fast” approach to
conducting with Finucane’s own musical artistry form the basis for Finucane’s
approach to the concerto. Finucane recorded the work with the RTÉ National
Symphony Orchestra in 2009 under the direction of Robert Houlihan. According to
Finucane, Houlihan knew relatives of Françaix personally, but never received any
instruction from the composer about the concerto.
According to Finucane, Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra is a
spirited virtuosic showcase. In his program notes for the recorded performance with the
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Finucane says, “It is hard to resist the challenge of
a piece that was described by the great clarinettist Jack Brymer as being unplayable
until the shape of the human hand evolves.”55 Finucane adds that the concerto is not a
very melodic work, but the melodies that do exist are “fun,” “flighty,” and have a sort
of “champagne fizz” to them. Describing the entire work, Finucane says, “there is
always this happy little turbulence of bubbles going on in the background.” With this
picture of the work in mind, an analysis of Finucane’s performance practices will be
discussed.
54
Ibid.
55
Ibid.
53
Movement I
Like Cuper and Ashkenazy, Finucane believes that the current edition of the
work for clarinet and piano is the final authority for making musical decisions instead of
the orchestral score. He acknowledges that the tempi in all of the movements are too
fast. Finucane performs the first movement at approximately quarter-note equals 126,
but points out that he tends to push the tempo slightly in public performance.
There are some slight differences from the printed score in how Finucane
performs the primary theme from 1 to 2 (see fig. 4.1). For the first four measures of the
passage, Finucane approaches the passage in two measure phrases with a slight rise
dynamically in the first measure and a slight fall in the second measure of each phrase.
The sixteenth-notes in the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth measures of 1 are
“insignificant” according to Finucane. Therefore, he plays a slight diminuendo on each
of these groups of sixteenth-notes. However, in measures five and six of 1, Finucane
incorporates a gradual and underlying crescendo to bring out the upward sequence in
the melody. Two measures before 2 Finucane tries to maintain a consistent dynamic
level. In order to avoid the natural fall in the dynamics as the clarinet descends the
scale, Finucane uses a slight crescendo in the airstream. He follows this with a slight
crescendo beginning on the first beat of the measure before 2 and a decrescendo
beginning on the second beat of the measure. In addition to these dynamic shapes,
Finucane adds accents on the first and third beats two measures before 2, and on the
downbeat of the measure before 2. Finally, in the measure before 2 Finucane wrote a
marking in his part to remind himself to maintain the tempo. He believes this is
important since there is a temptation to play a ritardando in this measure (see fig. 4.1).
54
Figure 4.1. Finucane’s interpretation of the primary theme beginning at 1
Finucane plays the secondary theme from 5 to 8 slightly faster than the overall
tempo for the movement, tending to follow the harmonic changes of the orchestra
through this section rather than leading. As a result of this approach to the passage,
Finucane feels the pulse in two beats per measure instead of four. Despite his faster
tempo, Finucane is careful to play the full length of the notes that precede the eighth
rests. In addition, he approaches this section with more rhythmic flexibility by taking a
little time on the two eighth-notes leading to the altissimo F-sharp in the fourth measure
of 5. Finucane plays the first three eighth-notes slightly faster leading to the clarion E-
sharp in the measure that follows (see fig. 4.2).
55
Figure 4.2. 5 to the fifth measure of 5
In the fifth and sixth measures of 6, and the two measures leading into 7, Finucane
brings out the tenuto notes by playing the eighth-notes that precede them slightly faster.
This allows him to remain on the tenuto notes slightly longer in order to highlight the
downward sequence in the melodic line (see fig. 4.3).
Figure 4.3. The fifth and sixth measures of 6
Finucane uses creative practice strategies for the technically difficult
accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11. Like Cuper and
Ashkenazy, Finucane utilizes the one and one E-flat fingering whenever possible (see
fig. 2.3, pg. 19). The first practice technique involves thinking in groups of three
sixteenth-notes as it is written in this passage. After this, he visualizes groups of two
sixteenth-notes in the manner that Ashkenazy utilizes in the eighth measure of 11 to
two measures before 12 (see fig. 3.3, pg. 38). Finally, he practices this section by
56
displacing the downbeat, and treating the first B-flat in the sixth measure of 11 as a
pickup note to the E-flat (see. fig. 4.4). This method allows Finucane to practice the
passage with an emphasis on the notes that do not normally fall on the downbeat.
Figure 4.4. Finucane’s practice strategy starting in the sixth measure of 11
In public performance Finucane uses a combination of the above mental
approaches to perform the passage. For the first two measures of the section, Finucane
thinks in groups of three sixteenth-notes as written. Starting in the fourth measure
before 12, he switches to visualizing groups of two sixteenth-notes like Ashkenazy (see
fig. 3.3, pg. 38). However, Finucane differs from Ashkenazy slightly since he imagines
rushing the low B-flats to C-naturals four measures before 12, and the low B-flats to C-
sharps three measures before 12. This helps Finucane avoid getting stuck on the low B-
flats in these measures and facilitates smoother technique. Finucane resumes the
grouping of three sixteenths two measures before 12 since these measures are less
challenging technically (see. fig. 4.5).
57
Figure 4.5. The accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11
Finucane’s approach to the technical challenges in the cadenza is unique. The
beginning of the cadenza is In tempo as it is marked in the score; however, Finucane
slightly increases the tempo in the fifth and sixth measures of the cadenza to allow
room for a greater rallentando in the eighth measure of the cadenza. Beginning with the
grace-note pickups into the twelfth measure of the cadenza, where it is marked In
tempo, ma a piacere, Finucane pulls the tempo back and plays the grace-notes as if he
were strumming a guitar. He suggests that it is important to land firmly on the
58
downbeats that follow the grace-note flourishes in order to bring out the syncopation of
the melody. Starting with the grace-note pickups into the nineteenth measure of the
cadenza, Finucane pushes the tempo forward slightly and builds dynamically to a
mezzo forte instead of the printed marking of piano. Following this build in dynamics,
he pulls back slightly on the last four grace-notes in the twentieth measure of the
cadenza in order to bring closure to the musical phrase (see fig. 4.6).
Figure 4.6. Measures 18 through 20 of the cadenza
Finucane slows the tempo down slightly for the passage that begins seventeen
measures before 14, and feels the first measure of the section in 12/8 instead of 4/4 (see
fig. 4.7). In contrast, he feels the next measure in 4/4, and plays it slightly faster than the
previous measure. He repeats this pattern with the two measures that follow. Finucane
uses these meter and tempi changes in order to accentuate the contrasting characters of
these measures.
59
Figure 4.7. The first two measures of the passage starting seventeen measures before 14
Finucane’s approach to the tremolo passage beginning nine measures before 14
is different from the interpretations discussed in the previous chapters. In his recorded
performance with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Finucane performed the
passage on an A clarinet and had it edited in with the rest of the recording done on a B-
flat clarinet. He did this in order to play the written low E-flat five measures before 14.
In regard to the question of whether or not the passage is easier on the A clarinet,
Finucane adds that what you gain by making one tremolo easier tends to make other
tremolos more difficult. A transposition of the passage for A clarinet can be seen in fig.
4.8. In live performance settings, Finucane performs the work on a B-flat clarinet and
plays a low E-natural to A-natural tremolo five measures before 14 (see fig. 4.9).
Finucane chooses to play a low E-natural in this case since it is the lowest note available
on the B-flat clarinet.
60
Figure 4.8. Transposition of the tremolo passage for A clarinet
Figure 4.9. Five measures before 14
*The current edition for clarinet and piano reads low E-flat to A.
Finucane uses six different alternate fingerings to play the technically difficult
passage beginning in the fourth measure of 14 (see fig. 4.10). He fingers altissimo F-
sharp as an overblown clarion A-sharp without the right hand E-flat key (see fig. 4.11a).
Finucane fingers the altissimo C-sharps and D-flat with overblown first line F-sharps
61
(see fig. 4.11b). He accomplishes the altissimo F by over blowing a clarion A above the
staff (see fig. 4.11c). Finucane plays the altissimo E with an overblown throat tone B-
flat (see fig. 4.11d). He fingers the altissimo E-flat by over blowing a throat tone A-flat
(see fig. 4.11e). Finally, Finucane plays altissimo D with an overblown open G (see fig.
4.11f). Additionally, he groups the thirty second notes in threes in the fifth measure of
14 to accentuate the descending linear chromatic harmonies leading to the downbeat in
the fourth measure before 15 (see fig. 4.10). Unlike Cuper and Ashkenazy, Finucane
does not believe it is necessary to slow down at the end of the passage to help the
orchestra enter smoothly in the fourth measure before 15.
Figure 4.10. The technically difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14
62
Figure 4.11. Finucane’s alternate fingerings used in the fourth measure of 14
a. b. c. d. e. f.
Movement II
The tempo marking for the second movement is too fast according to Finucane.
He suggests a tempo range of dotted quarter-note equals 72-76 to allow the notes in the
music to be executed cleanly. Finucane adds that the printed marking of dotted quarter-
note equals 84 causes performances of the movement to sound scrambled. He chooses
to play slightly slower to allow better communication between the soloist and the other
woodwind parts. Even at a slower tempo, Finucane acknowledges the difficulty in
coordinating the solo clarinet part with the flutes and clarinets in the orchestra.
Finucane believes that the melody starting at rehearsal 20 is musically
significant since it is more melodic than the rest of the clarinet part in the second
movement (see fig. 4.12). He stretches the tempo slightly between the last eighth-note
of the third measure of 20 and the downbeat of the following measure. Finucane treats
the A-natural in the sixth measure of 20 as an arrival point. To prepare for this arrival,
Finucane adds a crescendo in the previous measure. He lengthens the A-natural slightly
and plays a diminuendo on the G-natural. Finucane inserts a crescendo into the phrase
beginning in the seventh measure of 20 leading to the downbeat of the eighth measure
63
of 20. To add emphasis on the downbeat of the eighth measure of 20, he adds a tenuto
to the downbeat and slows the tempo slightly between the last note of the previous
measure and the downbeat of the eighth measure of 20. This use of rubato serves to
convince the audience of the melodic importance of this section which could be easily
overlooked.
Figure 4.12. Finucane’s interpretation of the melody beginning at 20
Finucane approaches the passage starting at 21 in a technically unique manner
(see Fig. 4.14). To avoid excessive motion of the fingers, he keeps his right hand pinky
on the E-flat key from 21 to the clarion C-natural in the third measure of 21. Finucane
plays the clarion B-flat and clarion A-sharp in the second measure of 21 with the one
and two fingering for a smoother transition to the altissimo E-flat and D-sharp (see fig.
4.13). In order to execute the difficult articulation in the third measure of 21, Finucane
shifts the downbeat back one sixteenth-note to form a consistent slur two/tongue one
pattern. This serves to keep the section from sounding frantic and lets Finucane
continue to sound light and effortless.
64
Figure 4.13. The fingering for B-flat and A-sharp in the second measure of 21
Figure 4.14. Finucane’s approach to the difficult articulation in the third measure of 21
Finucane’s interpretation of the melody beginning in the eighth measure of the
Trio is mostly faithful to the printed score with only a few slight differences (see fig.
4.15). In the ninth measure of the Trio, Finucane adds a tenuto on the altissimo E to
create a slight sense of awkwardness to the melody. Additionally, he inserts a
diminuendo from the altissimo E in the eleventh measure of the Trio to the F-sharp on
the downbeat of the next measure.
65
Figure 4.15. The eighth measure of the Trio to ten before 26
Movement III
Finucane performs the third movement slightly slower than the printed tempo of
quarter-note equals 76. According to Finucane, he has marked a tempo of a quarter-note
equals 72 in his part. He adds that the tempo increases slightly at 31 to a tempo that is
closer to the original marking of quarter-note equals 76.
Breathing is not a challenge for Finucane from the beginning of the movement
to 32. While he does not use circular breathing, Finucane is capable of playing each of
the phrases in one breath. He points out that some of the problems faced by performers
with breathing have to do with a build up of carbon dioxide in the body. Finucane adds
that the phrases leading up to 32 are long enough for a performer to exhale all of their
air. This allows performers to take a full breath before each phrase begins. However,
Finucane points out that it is easy to use up the air too soon if the phrases in this passage
are played at louder dynamic levels than those marked in the score. If an extra breath is
needed to perform this passage, Finucane believes it is acceptable to breathe after the E-
natural in the fifth measure of 31 (fig. 4.16).
To enhance the musical quality of this passage, Finucane adds a slight tenuto on
the altissimo C-sharp in the fourth measure, the clarion G-natural in the fifth measure,
and the clarion F-natural in the sixth measure (see fig. 4.16). He plays a ritardando
66
starting six measures before 31, which creates a moment of reflection before the
orchestra enters with the theme. In the eighth measure of 31, he plays a diminuendo
between the first and second beat. Finucane follows this with a slight crescendo
between beat three and the downbeat of the ninth measure of 31. Starting with the last
two eighth-notes four measures before 32, he plays a slight crescendo in each case
where there are eighth-notes leading to quarter-notes. In addition to the crescendos,
Finucane plays each of these eighth-note groups slightly faster anticipating the end of
the phrase.
Figure 4.16. The beginning to one measure before 32
67
Finucane’s approach to the melody starting one measure before 35 is slightly
different than Cuper’s or Ashkenazy’s (fig. 4.18). He adds a small crescendo on each of
the grace-notes leading into the eighth-notes one measure before 35, making sure that
the crescendos all fit within the framework of a pianissimo dynamic. Like Ashkenazy,
Finucane fingers the altissimo C-sharp grace-note leading into the third eighth-note by
fingering clarion B-natural and adding side keys one and two in the measure before 35
(see fig. 3.10, pg. 45). In order to address the issue of intonation in the altissimo register
at a very soft dynamic level, Finucane fingers the altissimo E-sharp grace-note leading
into 35 by fingering altissimo D-sharp and removing the ring finger of the left hand (see
fig. 4.17). From 35 to the fourth measure of 35, he thinks the notes should musically
sound “slimy” as if they were “oozing from the top note down.” He believes this can be
accomplished by playing the notes with a small amount of rhythmic ambiguity.
Figure 4.17. Finucane’s fingering for high E-sharp one measure before 35
68
Figure 4.18. One measure before 35 to the fourth measure of 35
Movement IV
Excluding the cadenzas, Finucane takes a straight-forward approach to the last
movement that involves little rubato. According to Finucane, the tempo marking of
dotted quarter-note equals 138 is not practical for a full symphonic orchestra. He
believes that it would sound “chaotic” if an orchestra of more than fifty musicians tried
to perform the work at the printed tempo. Finucane adds that a tempo of dotted quarter-
note equals 126 is a good compromise that allows the notes to speak more cleanly. He
feels the majority of the movement in two beats per measure; however, he thinks of the
first two measures in 3/4 instead of 6/8 because of the placement of the grace-notes.
Additionally, Finucane inserts a tenuto on the eighth-notes that do not have a staccato
mark in order to emphasize the feeling of three in the first two measures (see fig. 4.19).
69
Figure 4.19. Measures one and two of the fourth movement
Finucane believes that the first cadenza clearly begins in the thirteenth measure
of 42. He plays somewhat slower at the onset of the cadenza and allows himself more
freedom for musical interpretation. Finucane points out that everything leading up to the
cadenza is very metronomic, and does not provide opportunities for bending or
stretching the tempo. He believes both cadenzas contain a more “Romantic” feel, which
fosters abundant room for rubato. In the eleventh measure of the cadenza, he plays a
slight accelerando and adds an even greater increase in tempo to the following measure
(see fig. 4.20). The next passage, beginning in the thirteenth measure of the cadenza
where it is marked subito, capriccioso, starts over at a slower tempo and embodies a
new character. Finucane believes this new character is “whiny” and very similar to the
child that is begging for his toys in the second act of La Bohème. This “whiny”
character lasts for four measures and appears in a fragmented form fourteen measures
before 43. Nine measures before 43, Finucane adds a slight accelerando into the
downbeat of the following measure. Six measures before 43, where it is marked a
Tempo, risoluto, Finucane does not play in tempo. Instead, he evokes a “dreamy”
quality in the two measures that follow. Finucane begins to literally observe the a
70
Tempo, risoluto after the first eighth-note four measures before 43. This helps the
orchestra enter in the correct tempo on the downbeat of 43 (see fig. 4.20).
Figure 4.20. The eleventh measure of the first cadenza to 43
71
Finucane carefully follows the markings in the score for the passage from the
third measure of 46 to the fourth measure of 47. However, he points out that the
marking of an eighth-note equals a dotted eighth-note two measures before 47 is
incorrect and should read sixteenth-note equals a sixteenth-note. Like Cuper and
Ashkenazy, Finucane acknowledges the connection between the tempo of the first
movement and the presentation of the primary theme from the first movement starting
in the third measure of 46. However, Finucane matches the two tempi exactly instead of
playing slightly slower or faster in the fourth movement. Unlike Cuper, Finucane does
not slow down two measures before 47. He believes the trumpet player for the RTÉ
National Symphony Orchestra was able to play this passage at tempo without any
problems for the recorded performance.
Finucane states that the ninth measure of 47 is strongly connected to the second
cadenza since it contains the loud emphatic grace-notes that are associated with the
risoluto marking in the cadenza. He adds that the cadenza definitely starts in the
eleventh measure of 47 and ends at 48 (see fig. 4.21). Rather than visualizing two
different characters in dialogue, Finucane thinks of two clarinetists playing with
contrasting tones. If the concerto was being performed with a pianist, Finucane suggests
that this would be a moment to point the bell of the clarinet at the piano for the
affectuoso measures. In contrast, the risoluto measures would be performed with the
bell of the clarinet facing the audience. For each case where it is marked affectuoso,
Finucane plays a slight crescendo to the highest note of the measure and a diminuendo
for the notes that follow. In addition to these dynamic shapes, he adds a ritardando on
the last three eighth-notes leading into the risoluto measures.
72
Figure 4.21. The eleventh measure of 47 to eight measures before 48
Closing Remarks
If one is to philosophize about the work, Finucane maintains that the only
conclusion that can be drawn is that the concerto is a reaction against the modernist
movement that existed in France during the time the work was composed. Finucane
adds that Françaix was not trying to take part in a debate with modernists. Instead,
Françaix composed works that were traditional in nature and let them speak for
themselves.
Finucane’s approach to the concerto is straight-forward, and he does not believe
it is wise to take a deeply philosophical approach to the work. He adds that the work is
very well-written, and believes that philosophizing about the piece too deeply can lead a
performer down the wrong path. Instead, he thinks the piece contains “happy” music
that speaks for itself and does not contain any hidden surprises.
In summary, Finucane believes that the musical content of the concerto
communicates itself clearly and does not feel the need to add embellishments to
enhance the comical nature of the work. Instead, he allows himself the pleasure of
enjoying the childlike qualities of the work in addition to the technically challenging
nature of the concerto. Finucane demonstrates this with his highly energetic tempi in the
technically demanding movements, which he executes with effortless technique.
73
Additionally, Finucane’s visualization of different characters helps him bring out the
musical gestures of the cadenzas in the fourth movement. This method is illustrated by
Finucane imagining the “whiny” child from the second act of La Bohème while playing
the first cadenza. Such characterizations, combined with Finucane’s forward energy in
the faster movements, bring out the “champagne fizz” of Françaix’s Concerto for
Clarinet and Orchestra.
74
Chapter 5: Charles Neidich
Charles Neidich began his study of the clarinet at the early age of seven under
the tutelage of his father, Irving Neidich. At the age of seventeen, Neidich began
studying with the famous pedagogue and performer Leon Russianoff. After completing
a Bachelors degree in Anthropology from Yale University, Neidich studied clarinet and
piano in the Soviet Union at the Moscow State Conservatory for three years under the
teaching of Boris Dikov (clarinet) and Kirill Vinogradov (piano).
Since completing his collegiate studies, Neidich has enjoyed a highly successful
career as a performer, teacher, conductor, and composer. He has performed with
numerous orchestras, chamber groups, and as a soloist around the world. In addition to
performing with a large number of ensembles, Neidich has been sought after as an
instructor at summer music festivals and master classes, and has taught as a college
faculty member at Juilliard, Queens College, the Manhattan School of Music, and the
Mannes College of Music. As a conductor, Neidich has made appearances with
orchestras in the United States and abroad, and has often played the role of soloist,
conductor, and composer simultaneously in concerts.56
56
Charles Neidich, “Charles Neidich Clarinetist, Conductor,”
http://www.charlesneidich.com/biography.htm (accessed March 22, 2012).
75
Neidich began learning Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in 1971
only a few years after it had been premiered by Jacques Lancelot.57 While learning the
work, he used the current edition for clarinet and piano published by Éditions Musicales
Transatlantiques.58 At the time, he did not realize that there was a difference between
the edition for piano and the version for orchestra. However, Neidich believes that the
edition for clarinet and piano represents Françaix’s final decisions about the concerto.
This is in agreement to what Cuper said in his interview regarding the differences
between the edition for clarinet and piano, and the orchestral score.59
In 1983, after winning the Munich International Competition with his
performance of Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra and then performing
the concerto with the Berlin Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Neidich received a letter
from Françaix praising him for his performance. Françaix expressed his gratitude to
Neidich by saying that he had found a “champion of his music” thus allowing him to
address his modernist critics. After receiving this letter, Neidich began a series of
correspondences with Françaix in which he sent Françaix recordings of the concerto
that he had performed with various orchestras. Françaix would in turn respond with
comments about the performances. During these correspondences, Françaix referred to
the concerto as “our concerto.”
57
Unless otherwise indicated, all quotes and information about Charles Neidich
and his performance practices come from Charles Neidich, interview by author,
Norman, OK, March 15, 2012.
58
Like the author of this document, Neidich created his own reduction of the
piano part and was denied permission from Éditions Musicales Transatlantiques to
publish his reduction.
59
Cuper, interview by author, Austin, TX, July 22, 2010.
76
While Neidich had a strong connection with the composer, he does not believe
that Françaix influenced him in regard to his performance practices of the work.
Instead, Neidich’s final decisions about musicality are based on his own interpretation
of the work. In addition to believing that the concerto is very virtuosic in nature,
Neidich describes the work by saying, “it’s very cute, it’s very funny, it’s very touching,
it’s music.” Neidich’s performance practices will be examined with this perspective in
mind.
Movement I
Neidich believes the printed tempi throughout the concerto should be taken
seriously instead of being compromised for the sake of an ensemble. Unlike Cuper,
Ashkenazy, and Finucane, Neidich performs the first movement at approximately
quarter-note equals 132 as marked. Neidich adds that the aural clarity of the movement
is not compromised at this faster tempo.
The musical phrasing of the primary theme from 1 to 2 is spelled out very
clearly according to Neidich. Like Cuper, Neidich plays a slight crescendo through the
first measure into the downbeat of the following measure (see fig. 5.1). He uses the
same shape in the third and fourth measures of the theme. In the fifth and sixth
measures of the primary theme, Neidich adds a crescendo similar to those preceding it;
however, in this case the crescendo leads to the altissimo E-natural three measures
before 2. Unlike Cuper, Neidich inserts a crescendo in the measure before 2 in order to
help the orchestra enter more clearly.
77
Figure 5.1. The primary theme beginning at 1
Neidich suggests that the secondary theme from 5 to 8 should be felt as a
“Bossa Nova” dance. While there are places where he employs rubato, Neidich does not
believe that a performer should carefully plan where these moments occur. Instead, he
maintains that the subtle nuances within the harmonic changes, combined with the
musical intuition of the performer, should govern where rubato is used. While Neidich
does not carefully plan how he is going to play every phrase in this passage, he
consistently pulls back slightly where there are clarion E-sharp and clarion F-sharp
eighth-notes leading to a clarion A-natural downbeat. Such cases occur three measures
before 6 into the next measure, and three measures before 8 leading into the following
measure (see fig. 5.2). For the overall passage, Neidich summarizes his musical advice
with the following words, “Don’t think about it. Just dance.” He does not believe that
Françaix planned this section with an elaborate design in mind. Instead, Neidich says
that it is necessary to “play around what the orchestra is doing.”
78
Figure 5.2. Three measures before 8 leading into two measures before 8
The accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11 does not
require any alternate fingerings according to Neidich (see fig. 5.4). He thinks that the
one and one E-flat fingering (see fig. 2.3, pg. 19) is too sharp for this passage and is not
needed. Neidich plays the E-flats in this passage with the side-key E-flat fingering (see
fig. 5.3). He adds that there are numerous ways to practice this passage. While it is up to
each performer to find what works best, Neidich suggests that proper rotation of the left
hand is crucial for success. There is a tendency to get bogged down on the low B-flats,
which makes it difficult to play this section smoothly. Neidich avoids this by thinking
of moving away from the low B-flats toward the upper notes in each group. He believes
that most of Françaix’s soft dynamic markings are too soft throughout the concerto.
While he does not offer a specific dynamic level, Neidich believes that the passage after
11 should be brought out more to balance with the dynamic level of the orchestra.
79
Figure 5.3. Side-key E-flat fingering
Figure 5.4. The accompanimental passage starting in the sixth measure of 11
80
Neidich does not believe the cadenza that starts in the tenth measure of 13
should be performed In tempo. He adds that this marking is more indicative of the
thematic material from the exposition that should be clearly recognizable in the
cadenza. Like Ashkenazy, Neidich states that the sixteenth-note fragments at the
beginning of the cadenza are a reference to the bassoon part from the primary theme.
These are followed by a presentation of the secondary theme beginning where it is
marked In tempo, ma a piacere in the eleventh measure of the cadenza. Neidich allows
himself much more freedom in tempo and phrasing for this presentation of the
secondary theme. He notes that even when playing with freedom in this section, it is
important for the underlying accompaniment from the secondary theme to be clearly
heard.
Neidich plays the tremolo passage beginning nine measures before 14 with
precisely measured thirty-second note tremolos. Like Cuper and Ashkenazy, Neidich
advocates bringing out the accents to highlight the appearance of the secondary theme
from the exposition. Neidich’s approach to the low E-flat to A tremolo in the fifth
measure before 14 is unique. While he acknowledges the fact that the low E-flat is a
misprint, Neidich thinks Françaix’s initial idea was correct in terms of voice leading.
Therefore, he transposes the E-flat up an octave (see fig. 5.5). In this case, Neidich
suggests using the one and one fingering for the E-flat (see fig. 2.3, pg. 19) instead of
the side-key fingering.
81
Figure 5.5. The tremolo passage starting nine measures before 14
*The current edition for clarinet and piano reads an octave lower for the E-flat.
Although Neidich does not use any alternate fingerings for the technically
difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14, he does choose to remove the
right hand pinky E-flat key on the altissimo notes. Like Ashkenazy, Neidich begins the
passage a bit slower and accelerates to the last few notes leading into the downbeat four
measures before 15. Initially, Neidich did not want to slow down at the end of the run
and experimented numerous times with orchestras. Through this work, he discovered
that the bassoons were often unable to enter correctly unless he slowed the last few
notes into the fourth measure before 15. The exact point at which he slows down at the
end of the passage is determined by who is conducting the orchestra. If Neidich is
conducting the orchestra himself, he does not slow down until the last two notes of the
run. However, if someone else is conducting the work, he takes more time at the end of
passage to help the orchestra enter correctly.
82
In order to practice this section, Neidich believes it is important to play with a
steady tempo and play the passage in different groupings. He adds that practicing the
passage in different groupings helps “trick” the brain into learning the notes. Once the
notes have been learned at a steady tempo, Neidich suggests that the performer should
experiment with using rubato throughout the passage.
Movement II
While Neidich believes it is important to observe Françaix’s tempo markings, he
plays the second movement slightly under the composer’s marking of dotted quarter-
note equals 84. He performs the second movement at the tempo of dotted quarter-note
equals 82, which is still considerably faster than the other artists interviewed. Neidich
does not believe his tempo is too fast for orchestras to handle; however, it is difficult for
the soloist to enter with the orchestra in the fourth measure of 18 at this tempo (see fig.
2.7, pg. 21). In order to enter correctly with the orchestra in the fourth measure of 18,
he stretches the three sixteenth-notes leading into the fifth measure of 18.
Neidich views the melody beginning at 20 as being a “Romantic phrase” that
needs to “dance.” While he adds that there are places a performer can bend or stretch
the melody, Neidich thinks these moments will not be very noticeable since the overall
tempo is very fast. Neidich does take a slight amount of time between the clarion G-
natural in the third measure of 20 and the clarion C-natural in the fourth measure of 20
to accentuate the climax of the melody (see fig. 5.6).
83
Figure 5.6. The melody beginning at 20
The passage beginning at 21, which contains the difficult articulation in the third
measure of 21, does not require any alternate fingerings for smooth execution. Neidich
plays a slight accent on the tongued notes to successfully accomplish the articulation in
the third measure of 21 (see fig. 5.7). Additionally, he believes that the end of the
phrase “tumbles” down in a comical manner when the tongued notes are emphasized
more.
Figure 5.7. Neidich’s approach to the difficult articulation in the third measure of 21
Neidich believes that the Trio is musically “drunk” throughout. This is
highlighted by the fact that everything is slightly offset rhythmically with downbeats
occurring on beat three instead of beat one. Similar to Ashkenazy, Neidich slightly
embellishes the slurred intervals between the eighth measure of the Trio to 26. He
envisions “make-believe” glissandi in each case where there is an eighth-note slurred
84
into the downbeat of the next measure (see fig. 5.8). Neidich adds that these “make-
believe” glissandi should not be played literally since the comical nature of the work is
“funny in a sophisticated way.” Instead, he believes they should be used as a mental
tool for melodic shaping where the mere thought of playing a glissando causes the
slurred intervals to take on a slightly smeared quality.
Figure 5.8. Measure eight of the Trio to one measure before 26
Movement III
Like the other artists, Neidich believes the tempo of the third movement is
slightly too fast. According to Neidich, he plays this movement at approximately
quarter-note equals 70-72. He believes there is a connection between the last four notes
of the second movement and the first measure of the third movement (see fig. 5.9). This
connection is enhanced slightly by playing a “quasi attacca” between the movements.
Unlike Cuper, he is not concerned about trying to match the dotted quarter-note tempo
of the second movement with the quarter-note tempo of the third movement. While
there are places to use rubato in the third movment, Neidich does not suggest that this
85
should happen often because he believes the movement is a “passacaglia,” and contains
its own built in moments of push and pull.
Figure 5.9. The end of movement two and the beginning of movement three
Movement II
Movement III
Neidich does not worry about the issue of breathing for the long phrases from
the beginning of the third movement to 32 because he uses circular breathing. He
suggests that if a performer cannot circular breathe and needs to take a breath during the
long phrases, then it is acceptable to breathe after any of the longer notes (see fig. 5.10).
Dynamically, Neidich suggests that the soft markings throughout this passage represent
a “quality” rather than a specific volume level. He beleives that it is similar to the
beginning of Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie which is marked doux et expressif. Since
Neidich does not interpret the dynamic marks in this passage literally, he plays the
melodic line slightly louder.
86
Figure 5.10. Acceptable places to breathe from the beginning to one measure before 32
Neidich does not use any alternate fingerings for the melody beginning one
measure before 35 except for the altissimo C-sharp grace-note, which he fingers as a
clarion B-natural with side-keys one and two added (see fig. 3.10, pg. 45). Since
Neidich believes the measure before 35 represents the end of the “passacaglia” theme,
he pulls the tempo back slightly into 35. Starting at 35, he thinks of the descending line
as having a “floating character.” He does not deem it necessary to plan the rubato in the
descending line, but points out that it is important to think in terms of the character of
the line (see fig. 5.11).
87
Figure 5.11. The melody beginning one measure before 35
Movement IV
Neidich performs the last movement at the astounding tempo of dotted quarter-
note equals 136. Although the bass instruments play in three, he tends to feel the
movement in two. Neidich believes that Françaix intended for the basses to be playing
in three in order to give the feeling that they are misplaced throughout. The resulting
effect is a hemiola in the basses which confuses the sense of pulse for the listener.
According to Neidich, the first cadenza begins in the thirteenth measure of 42.
He acknowledges that there are numerous ways to approach this cadenza musically;
however, he believes it is more important to think in terms of different characters rather
than trying to carefully plan out each musical phrase. Neidich suggests that the
character of the melody needs to be “sweet” twenty measures before 43 where it is
marked subito, capriccioso. Beginning sixteen measures before 43, Neidich thinks there
is a shift in character to that of “clowns in a circus.” Six measures before 43, where it is
marked a Tempo, risoluto, Neidich plays in tempo. While he thinks it is acceptable to
start slower and accelerate into 43, Neidich believes it sounds more outrageous and
88
humorous if it is played in tempo throughout. Despite the fact that he does not think that
the phrases of the cadenza should be meticulously planned, he is consistent with the
other performers in his approach to the eleventh and twelfth measures of the cadenza.
Neidich recognizes that there is a built-in accelerando in these measures leading to a
change in character in the thirteenth measure of the cadenza (see fig. 5.12).
Figure 5.12. The eleventh and twelfth measures of the first cadenza
Like the other performers, Neidich acknowledges that there is a strong
connection between the tempo of the first movement and that of the passage beginning
in the third measure of 46. He suggests that this relationship between the two tempi
actually begins at 44. Like Cuper, Neidich pulls the tempo back slightly starting two
measures before 47 to accommodate the difficult trumpet part; however, he believes
this slight change of tempo happens naturally. According to Neidich, the marking of an
eighth-note equals a dotted eighth-note is incorrect and should read an eighth-note
equals an eighth-note. Neidich adds that this would mean that the 6/8 measures in this
passage are slower than those at the beginning of the movement. Additionally, the
necessary slow-down to help the trumpet player is actually a correct tempo change, and
not just a concession.
89
According to Neidich, the second cadenza begins in the eleventh measure of 47
and contains a “dream-like” quality to it (see fig. 5.13). Within this dream there are two
contrasting characters represented by the markings of affectuoso and risoluto. The
character that embodies the affectuoso is “very romantic,” and is mocked by the risoluto
character which is “clown-like.” In each case where there are eighth-note quintuplets,
Neidich slightly elongates the highest note in each group. Additionally, in the seventh
and eighth measures of the cadenza, he plays a gradual ritardando up to the high F-
sharp.
Figure 5.13. The second cadenza beginning in the eleventh measure of 47
90
Closing Remarks
During his interview, Neidich commented on the reception of Françaix’s works
in France and concluded by providing advice about performing the concerto. While
there have been many students who have learned the piece, Neidich acknowledged that
it is not performed with orchestra as often as it should be. Instead, the works of
Françaix, as well as other students of Nadia Boulanger, have been underplayed in
France since the French appear to favor the modern style of writing represented by
Boulez. Neidich mentioned that there are still people in France who do not respect
Françaix as a composer, despite a slight surge in French performances of Françaix’s
works in more recent times. For this reason, Françaix was excited to discover that
Neidich championed his music.
Neidich’s overall advice about performing the concerto could be summarized
with the following words, “have fun.” While the work is very difficult technically, it
should not be about technique alone. He adds that “technique is a means to an end” and
should not be the center of attention musically. However, his brisker approach to the
fast movements of the concerto demonstrates his technical prowess, and ability to enjoy
the musical content of the work without being hindered by the tempi. Additionally,
Françaix’s works are very comical in nature. Neidich believes that if people do not
laugh when they hear Françaix’s music, it has not been performed in the correct
manner. In order to help an audience laugh, Neidich suggests that it is important to
think of different comical characters, especially in both of the cadenzas of the fourth
movement. Additionally, he adds “make-believe” glissandi to the melodic line that lasts
91
from the eighth measure of the Trio to 26. Such embellishments, along with Neidich’s
technical mastery, allow him to “have fun” with the concerto.
92
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Comparison of the Artists
All four of the artists interviewed for the sake of this research have contributed a
variety of unique ideas about Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. The
advice and musical insight offered by these virtuosos should serve as an excellent
starting point any clarinetist who has a serious desire to learn the concerto. In order to
further facilitate the understanding of these interpretations, what follows is a
comparison of the different approaches presented by each of the performers.
The philosophical perspectives of Cuper, Ashkenazy, Finucane, and Neidich
greatly shape how they interpret Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. For
Cuper, it is vitally important to follow what is in the printed part. He maintains that
those who deviate from the score tend to do so for their own selfish motives rather than
trying to honor what the composer has written. While Cuper does not think there is a
large amount of room for interpretation, Ashkenazy believes that this work goes much
deeper than the printed notes on the page. Ashkenazy sees the simple and humorous
personality traits of the composer in this work, which is balanced by the contemplative
nature of the third movement of the concerto. He adds that this moment of reflection is
present in other works of Françaix, and that this contrasting character gives more
meaning to the humorous side of his works. In contrast to Ashkenazy, Finucane does
not advocate philosophizing too deeply about the concerto. While he views the work as
being “fun,” and an opportunity to demonstrate technical prowess, Finucane does not
believe the concerto is very melodic overall. Neidich’s philosophy about the concerto is
93
similar to Ashkenazy’s since he acknowledges the humorous side of the work as well as
the more “touching” musical moments. Additionally, Neidich does not believe that a
performer has performed the work successfully if audience members do not experience
laughter at some point.
The tempi chosen by the four performers are a revealing entryway into their
interpretations. For the first movement, three out of the four artists interviewed
performed it within Françaix’s recommended range of a quarter-note equals 120-126.60
The only exception is represented by Charles Neidich who performs the first movement
at approximately a quarter-note equals 132. For the second movement, only half of the
performers play the movement somewhere between a dotted quarter-note equals 72-76.
A composite of the tempi of all four performers for the second movement is a dotted
quarter-note equals 69-82 with Cuper’s tempo at the lower end of the range, and
Neidich’s tempo at the upper end. All four of the artists perform the third movement
within the range of a quarter-note equals 63-72 which represents the prescribed range
that Françaix recommended to Cuper.61 For the last movement, two out of the four
performers performed the movement within Françaix’s range of a dotted quarter-note
equals 126-132.62 However, a compilation of all of the tempi for this movement reveals
a tempo range of a dotted quarter-note equals 112-136. A summary of these results can
be seen in Table 6.1.
60
Cuper, “Checking Points in the Jean Françaix ‘Clarinet Concerto,’” 20.
61
Ibid.
62
Ibid.
94
Table 6.1. A comparison of tempi for the four artists
Movement I Movement II Movement III Movement IV

Cuper 120-126 69-72 63-72 126-132
Ashkenazy 120-126 74 69 112
Finucane 126 72-76 72 126
Neidich 132 82 70-72 136
Each of the artists has their own unique approach to phrasing and musicality in
the concerto. However, three out of the four artists incorporate a gradual crescendo
from 1 to 2 for the primary theme in the first movement. Greater diversity can be seen
in the interpretations of the secondary theme from 5 to 8. While differences exist, it is
interesting that Ashkenazy and Neidich are consistent about pulling back slightly on the
E-sharp and F-sharp eighth-notes leading into two measures before 8. The decision to
pull back at this moment is influenced in both cases by the colorful harmonic change
that takes place in the orchestral accompaniment. For the passage beginning six
measures after 11, three out the four artists use the one and one E-flat fingering to
facilitate easier technique (see fig. 2.3, pg.19). While all of the performers approach the
tremolo passage starting nine measures before 14 in a different manner, three out of
four believe it is important to bring out the accented notes in order to highlight the
secondary theme from the exposition. Of great interest are all of the unique ideas about
the questionable tremolo from low E-flat to low A-natural and the tremolo that follows
it from F-natural to G-natural five measures before 14 (see Table 6.2). In addition to the
fact that they all approach these tremolos differently, the two artists that had the
strongest working relationship with the composer, Cuper and Neidich, do not agree on
95
how the tremolos should be played. It is important to note that Françaix did not object
to either of their approaches, but kept an open mind to different interpretations of this
passage. The technically difficult passage starting in the fourth measure of 14 is
approached in a different manner by all of the artists. However, the majority of the
performers believe that alternate fingerings are not necessary to play this passage. In
addition to this, three out of the four interviewees maintain that it is important to slow
down slightly at the end of the run in order to allow a smoother entrance for the
orchestra four measures before 15.
Table 6.2. The different approaches to the questionable tremolos five bars before 14
Cuper Ashkenazy Finucane Neidich
All of the artists have slightly different interpretations of the melody beginning
at 20 in the second movement. Three out of the four approaches incorporate a slight
ritard around the fourth measure of 20. While all of the interviewees approach the
difficult articulation differently in the third measure of 21, half of them resort to using
different mental groupings to successfully execute the passage. All of the performers
approach the melody from the eighth measure of the Trio to 26 in a different manner. It
is interesting that two out of the four artists believe that there should be a type of
glissando, whether real (Ashkenazy) or “make-believe” (Neidich), played between the
slurred intervals.
96
There are differences in how each of the interviewees approaches the musical
phrasing from the beginning of the third movement to 32. Three of the artists do not
believe it is necessary to break the slurred lines in this passage since they perform the
phrases in one breath (Cuper and Finucane), or circular breathe (Neidich). However,
Finucane and Neidich suggest that it is acceptable to break the slurred lines if a
performer is unable to perform the phrases in one breath. The melody beginning one
measure before 35 is played in a slightly different manner by each of the artists. While
these differences exist, three of the interviewees use the same fingering for the B to C-
sharp grace-notes in the measure before 35 (see fig. 3.10, pg. 45). Additionally, half of
the artists pull back slightly on the last two grace-notes leading into 35.
The cadenzas in the last movement are interpreted differently by all of the artists
as expected. However, in the first cadenza beginning in the thirteenth measure of 42,
three out of the four performers play an accelerando between the ninth and twelfth
measures of the cadenza. Additionally, half of the performers do not interpret the a
Tempo, risoluto marking literally in the sixth measure before 43. Instead, they start
slower and accelerate the tempo leading into the orchestral entrance at 43. For the
passage starting in the third measure of 46 that lasts until fourth measure of 47, half of
the artists slow the tempo slightly two measures before 47 to allow the trumpet players
to successfully perform their parts. This is especially needed when the solo clarinetist
decides to perform the last movement at a fast tempo. Finally, the second cadenza
starting in the eleventh measure of 47 is approached in a unique manner by each of the
interviewees. While they all play this cadenza differently, all the artists believe it is
97
important to bring out the contrasting characters represented by the affectuoso and
risoluto markings.
Conclusion
Through the investigation of the performance practices of four world-renowned
clarinetists, this document has demonstrated that different philosophical approaches to
Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra greatly shape how the work is
performed. While it is commonplace today for performers to carefully observe every
marking in printed scores, this study reinforces that a score is always subject to
interpretation by the soloist. This is demonstrated by the fact that three out of the four
artists interviewed did not believe the printed tempi in the score were practical.
Considering that Françaix conducted the work slightly slower for Cuper’s recording,
and that the oldest recording performed by Jacques Lancelot is slower overall, it is safe
to assume that the printed tempi are faster than Françaix initially wanted. However,
Neidich’s performance of the work was much faster and was praised by the composer.
From this fact, one could conclude that Françaix wrote the concerto with slower tempi
in mind, but kept an open mind about the work being performed faster.
Another case similar to the tempi dilemma can be seen in the tremolo passage
starting nine measures before 14 in the first movement. The author believes that the
printed low E-flat to A-natural tremolo followed by the F-natural to G-natural tremolo
in the fifth measure before 14 should read low F-natural to A-natural followed by E-flat
to G-natural. This is in agreement with what Françaix instructed Cuper to play prior to
Cuper’s recorded performance (see fig. 2.5, pg. 21). It is important to note that Cuper
98
was the only artist of the four interviewees that collaborated with the composer prior to
his recorded performance. Cuper is also the only performer out of the four that plays an
E-flat to G-natural tremolo for the last tremolo in the fifth measure before 14. Since
Cuper is very careful to follow what is in the clarinet part, it is hard to believe that he
would alter the last tremolo in the fifth measure before 14 without a good reason to do
so. Cuper changes this tremolo because of advice given directly by the composer. While
it is clear from Françaix’s work with Cuper that the composer had an opinion about the
tremolos, Françaix did not object to the differing approaches taken by the other artists.
Instead, he accepted the performers’ solutions to the misprinted tremolos.
Françaix’s less rigid approach to the printed markings in his Concerto for
Clarinet and Orchestra is in sharp contrast to some of the modernist composers who
were writing music in France during his life. These composers employed compositional
techniques such as integral serialism in an attempt to control every aspect of their
music. Since Françaix was not strict about controlling every musical detail in the
concerto, the work is slightly incomplete as it is printed in the score. A true completion
of the work can only be accomplished by musicians who have thoroughly mastered the
concerto and have applied their own personal artistry to the work.
Each of the musicians interviewed for this research has demonstrated mastery of
the concerto, and contributed ideas and suggestions for future performers to draw upon.
Those who desire to study the work and perform it should become familiar with the
performance practices of the artists discussed in the previous chapters. It is the hope of
the author that this document will serve as a useful resource for future performers and
their interpretations in the years to come.
99
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102

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UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

JEAN FRANÇAIX’S CLARINET CONCERTO: AN EXAMINATION OF

SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS

A DOCUMENT APPROVED FOR THE

guidance, encouragement, and patience to guide me through the lengthy process of

me improve greatly as a clarinetist, and for encouraging me to move forward with my

List of Tables ................................................................................................................. vii

List of Figures .............................................................................................................. viii

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ........................................................................... 1

Chapter 2: Philippe Cuper .......................................................................................... 13

Chapter 3: Dimitri Ashkenazy .................................................................................... 33

Chapter 4: John Finucane ........................................................................................... 52

Chapter 6: Conclusion ................................................................................................. 93

Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 100

This document explores the performance practices of Jean Françaix’s Concerto

deeper understanding of the concerto. An introductory chapter provides details

Jean Françaix’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra written in 1967-68

who have created commercial recordings of the concerto on LP or CD despite the

and Orchestra should study.

knowledge about the concerto for pedagogical purposes.

during the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest in Austin, Texas. Cuper

demonstrated how to play passages from the concerto in addition to answering

2010 during the thirty-fifth annual University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium in

Norman, Oklahoma. Like Cuper, Ashkenazy answered questions in a personal interview

answered questions about the work and composer.3

their availability for an interview, their reputation as performers, their personal

renown performer. An entire chapter in Pamela Weston’s book Clarinet Virtuosi of

recent recording that is commercially available. Charles Neidich is a world-renowned

described his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra as “our concerto.”6

differences in philosophies, tempi, musical phrasing, articulations, dynamics, and

interpretation of cadenzas. In addition to the interviews, the commercial recordings of

practices. Each chapter incorporates background information about the performers as

comments and additional information via email.

that were chosen for a comparative analysis between the performers.

Movement I Movement II Movement III Movement IV

original research that could have a significant impact on clarinet pedagogues,

this document is limited to an in-depth analysis of performance practices, further

performers understand the work better. A supplemental investigation of the advantages

or disadvantages of performing the work on A clarinet instead of B-flat clarinet could

these topics in great detail in the current document.

composition by a deceased composer. Therefore, the views of the composer regarding

Françaix’s concerto with piano reduction published by Éditions Musicales

completely intact manuscript of the work.

Nadia Boulanger at the Paris Conservatoire. In addition to his compositional studies,

seen in the following quote:

Oubradous, a conductor and bassoonist.15

The composer’s conception of Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra is very

My dodecaphonic ‘friends’ will tell you I am an extinct volcano, and I would be

recognizable structural elements present in each of the movements of the concerto.

combining solo instruments, or groups of soloists, with orchestral accompaniment. It

“double exposition,” which could also be used occasionally in other movements.20

nineteenth centuries, the compositional practices mentioned above will be used as a

anywhere in the work. Françaix utilizes a four-movement scheme strongly influenced

by multi-movement sonata form in place of the three-movement mold. The first

Table 1.3. Ternary form in the second movement

Table 1.4. Continuous theme and variations in the third movement

Thematic Groups Intro. Theme Var. 1 Var. 2 Var. 3 Coda