Klarinet Archive - Posting 000276.txt from 1994/11

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Brilliant and bright, dark and stuffy, heads or tails
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 1994 09:17:14 -0500

Chris Castillo inquires about the terminology of a particular group
of ligatures that are for sale. One is said to produce a brilliant
sound, another only bright. Chris' teacher is trying to help him get
a dark sound.

Chris is confused by the terminology. I admire the fact that he admits
this. Most of us are confused but we are not so brave as to admit it.

Over the last year, perhaps more, there have been several discussions
on this very subject, with heavy emphasis on the words "dark" and
"light" sound. Everyone had an opinion. But only a few had any
facts. I think Cary in Sweden (maybe it was someone else) who made
an objective statement about dark sounds having certain overtones
(or not having them) while bright sounds did not have certain overtones.
I forget.

Chris, it would be worthwhile for you to use the search feature of
the LISTSERV and see what all this mish-mosh was about. But you
will find two schools of thought: (1) terms such as dark, bright,
brilliant, etc. have no real meaning and are marketing terms, (2)
these terms are very specific and are part of the folk wisdom of
playing clarinet.

You will have to find out which side you are comfortable with. Happy
reading.

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
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