Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 1995/02

From: Justin O'Dell <X92ODELL1@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: vibrato in ensemble settings
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 1995 10:33:40 -0500

I feel that it is especially important not to use vibrato in orchestra
settings. When the clarinet is heard with other woodwinds, it functions to
give body, presence, and above all, a center to the woodwind section. As
orchestra clarinetists, we must all work a bit harder than other winds to
make sure our timbre is represented when the flutes, oboes, and bassoons are
playing. Vibrato makes it impossible for the stable center to occur, thus
rendering the clarinet inaudible in many passages. In regards to playing
unisons with a flute, an in-tune partnership with a well-projected,
straight-toned clarinet is beautiful to my ears.
Perhaps the opposite type of playing is required when playing
clarinet quintets. Any slight wisper from the clarinet is easily heard
partly because of the roundness of the tone. There we have more opportunies to
explore the intimate delicasies of the Klarinet, such as the blending
capabilities. In this context I would agree that there is more potential to
"stick out like a sore thumb," but I don't think vibrato is necessarily the
answer. I like vibrato occasionally, but I find it not always tastefully
done. That part it up to the artistry of the performer. That's all for my
two bits!

Justin O'Dell
x92odell1@-----.edu