Klarinet Archive - Posting 000235.txt from 1993/11

From: John Waytena <JWAYTEN1@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: Clarinet sound
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 09:48:00 -0500

I have been reading about 40 messages on how to improve one's own sound by
working and adjusting on reeds, speed of air, focusing the tone and about a
million other things you could possible do. I think many clarinet and reed
players in general overlook the purpose of playing a musical instrument.
We have to make the instrument sound like a human voice. There should be
nothing interfering with the sound. The clarinet should be and extension
of ourself. To get a good sound I believe you must develop a good concept
of sound which could be attained by listening to lots and lots of clarinet
music. You should listen to great players and find aspects in their playing
you like and try to implement them into your own playing. I find that
listening to great orchestral music with recordings bythe Cleveland Orchestra
and George Szell gives me a good sense of how a clarinet sounds in an orchestra
. I do not think enough time is spent listening. If you do not have a good
concept of sound to begin with how can you play with one. A reed and
mouthpiece are just a vehicle from which must do all the work. Life is not
going to hand you a box of perfect reeds. You have to learn how to play
on what you have.

John Waytena
Ithaca College
in%"JWayten1@-----.edu"