Klarinet Archive - Posting 000040.txt from 1995/02

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: vibrato!
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 1995 10:10:40 -0500

Nichelle,
I didn't know this letter was in my box when I sent you the other
one or I would have combined the two. I use vibrato and NOT sparingly.
The British have always used vibrato. I believe it is a wonderful extra
color. The reason that many clarinetists don't traditionally use it is that
the clarinet's
sound is rather unusual in that it is a full, self-contained sound.
Listen to a flute or violin without vibrato and you'll know why they need
to use it.
You'll notice that often oboe players will start a note
non-vibrated and then add vibrato. The reason is that often oboe has
that same self-contained sound. A big problem flute players have is that
they use only one speed of vibrato and it takes over their sound to the
point that it IS their sound. String players are always talking about
speed and width of vibrato and of using it as an expressive tool and this
is exactly my philosophy on vibrato. Use it. Alot. As much as you need
to/want to. BUT, always as an addition to your sound for musical
effect.
You can learn alot about music from string players and singers.
I feel that string players are rained to be soloists and musicians, not
orchestra and band drones. Same for singers. Their collective
philosophies about sound quality and interpretation are wonderfully
refreshing and different (and, I belive, correct).
I teach my students
how to do vibrato--both the jazzers and the non. I myself use a lip
vibrato just like jazzers (which I am myself) but naturally, toned down.
Some people use the diaphragm vibrato of flutes but I find that this
negates support and is not practical. Then there is palate vibrato.
This is the singer's type of vibrato in which the soft palate at the back
of the throat vibrates in response to the air pressure. It is a
wonderful sound that some people do naturally (like the late Harold
Wright). Indeed, I have had students who do it naturally. Some people
like Charlie Neidich have worked with vocal coahes to learn to develop
it. If that's the way you wanna go, more power to ya. O.K., 'nuff
about that. Hope this helps.

Fred