Klarinet Archive - Posting 000149.txt from 1994/02

From: Joshua Proschan <0004839378@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: vibrato
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 1994 22:21:09 -0500

re: vibrato

Jay Heiser (Product Manager, Govt Systems" <jayh@-----.COM>
writes:

> This is great, you've explained why a tasteful vibrato is more
> difficult to achieve on the clarinet, but that doesn't address
> the issue of how well received it is.

That is a matter of taste, traditional practice, fashion, ... Vibrato
on strings is the same. There were periods when no vibrato was used by
violinists.

> Still, the fact remains that in many situations it enhances the
> sound of a clarinet.

Again, a matter of taste. Even if you are right, in many others it
doesn't. Those who condemn a player for not using vibrato are as
misguided as those who condemn a player for using it.

> For anyone to attempt to 'scientifically;
> prove that it doesn't, is vain and stupid.

Why? That's how you discover new things.

> If the quote from
> Pino was correct, I still maintain that he was being a bit
> dense about the whole issue.

No. If the quote was accurate, he expressed an opinion that vibrato
is inconsistent with a "full, beautiful tone". He has as much right
to his opinion as you have to the opposite opinion.

>
> Acoustics and aesthetics are not the same thing.

True; but anyone musician who ignores acoustics in the pursuit of
aesthetics will not succeed. There was an interview with Picasso in
which he was asked about discussions of some aesthetic question by
artists. He replied that when artists get together, they discuss which
dealer sells the best canvas and which brand of turpentine works best.
If you do not have a sound technique you cannot reach the highest levels
of aesthetic expression; and acoustics is part of musical technique.

Joshua Proschan Internet: jproschan@-----.com