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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000029.txt from 2003/05

From: Mark Flanzraich <mjf1947@-----.net>
Subj: [DR-L] air flow
Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 15:32:41 -0400

To the list,

I believe a reed must be soft enough to be flexible and allow the player to use the air stream to create color in the sound. If the reed is too resistance - then the effort is made to control the reed with the embouchure and the air flow is not as flowing. If the reed is too soft, of course there is no resistance, and poor sound production.

The use of air flow creates the "ring and color" in the sound. I don't know if the flow is helped by the throat or diaphragm. I do know that the air flow must be free and relaxed.

The challenge is too make a reed that is "rich and complex in sound" and flexible in all registers - as well as soft enough to manipulate the air stream to create interest and mood. What a task! Since so many other variables come into play with reed construction itself.

Mark Flanzraich
South Shore Philharmonic
Community Orchestra
Long Island New York