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The Curious Clarinets of Benjamin Franklin
By now, you should know that there are several unsolved mysteries of clarinet history. One that has particularly intrigued me is a musical glitch in the matrix, involving none other than Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American multi-hyphenate – he was a diplomat, writer, scientist, and more. (He also had some witty quotes and one-liners!) Franklin wrote his autobiography (which he called his memoirs) between 1771 and 1790, the year of his death. Here’s a quote from his memoirs (page 194): While at Bethlehem, I inquir’d a little into the practice of the Moravians: some of them had accompaniedme, and all were very kind to me. I found…
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Musicians perish after performing this famous symphony
Trigger warning: death and suicide It’s October, which means it’s time for us to dive in to another story about the bizarre side of classical music. Today, I want to talk about a famous symphony (coincidentally written by one of my favorite composers), in which musicians die shortly after its performance. The symphony? Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in b minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique“ This symphony was first performed in October 1893 in St. Petersburg, with Tchaikovsky conducting. It was Tchaikovsky’s final composition before his death just nine days later. Before his death, Tchaikovsky ominously stated, “Without exaggeration, I have put my whole soul into this work.” In one of Tchaikovsky’s…
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The Mystery of Benny Goodman’s Missing Clarinet
Clarinetists and non-clarinetists alike are undoubtedly familiar with the name and fame of Benny Goodman (1909-1986). As the “King of Swing,” he was known for hits such as “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and his musical influence was an inspiration for future generations of musicians. We all know I love a good clarinet mystery, so I was intrigued when I came across a newspaper article from 1955 mentioning a clarinet Benny Goodman was trying to track down. From the Star-News, July 21, 1955: “Missing Clarinet” Paul Marshburn, who has brought some musical shows to Wilmington, has a new ‘musical’ job at present. He is trying to locate a clarinet. Seems that Benny…