Klarinet Archive - Posting 000274.txt from 1994/11

From: John Kurokawa <JKuroka@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Difference between "brilliant" and "bright"?
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 1994 09:17:12 -0500

Chris,

For what it's worth, here's my two cents on the dark/bright controversy.
Honestly, I'm hope I don't offend you, but I think that too many clarinetists
worry about getting a "dark" sound. You need to have some highs in the sound
in order for it to carry or it sounds dull and dead. I would strive for a
balance of high and low partials in the sound. As to the sound being stuffy
or dark, can you blow through the horn freely? Is your sound flexible enough
to do what you want it to and respond yet resonant with enough depth and
focus to it? Remember that the sound you hear in the practice room is not the
same sound you'll hear in the hall. I'd be interested to know what setup
you're playing on. Right now, I'm playing on an old refaced Selmer HS*
refaced by Richard Hawkins with Vandoren 4 1/2's and a Bonade regular
silver-plated ligature. I understand your troubles; I have had the same
dark/bright dilemma (sp?) myself. Hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Kurokawa
1st year master's student,
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music