Klarinet Archive - Posting 000700.txt from 1995/05

From: John Roman <JohnARoman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: How High The Moon?
Date: Wed, 24 May 1995 23:29:32 -0400

Fred,

Since you asked for opinions, here's mine. I don't usually like hearing
clarinets in that range. It partly depends on the clarinet, the music, the
player, whether it's an ensemble situation, as well as other variables such
as the mouthpiece/reed setup, but in general I don't care for the sound. As
you pointed out, just because you can hit a note doesn't necessarily make it
a pleasant experience.

My opinion isn't absolute in every case but if you enjoy listening to
clarinet music as most of us do, why take a chance on having something ruin
the overall effect. Knowing that an E-flat soprano clarinet can play the
same notes with a fuller and truer clarinet sound leads me to the opinon that
the B-flat soprano was just not intended to play in that range.

I, myself, will often take the artistic licence of dropping extremely high
notes or phrases an octave if I feel it improves the performance.

You probably noticed that I didn't make reference to any specific notes.
That's because the key (dare I mention that word again?) as well as the
duration of the note(s) seems to have some effect on the impression I get
from anything played in that range. Sometimes I find it acceptable and
sometimes not. In general I feel very comfortable listening to or playing
"solo work" up through third ledger line E.

John Roman

   
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