Klarinet Archive - Posting 000305.txt from 1995/08

From: bassethn@-----.ORG
Subj: Buffet vs Leblanc
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 1995 14:45:08 -0400

Tom Ascher wrote an interesting anecdote on Buffet vs Leblanc equipment.

I feel that clarinet equipment (golf equipment, tennis equipment, even
viola equipment) must allow the player to communicate the art (skill in
the case of sports) *via* the equipment. This is accomplished with the
greatest success when the equipment allows the player to do what he wants
to do with the least effort. Fundamentally, the instruments must allow
you to communicate the best art you have to offer. For example, I choose
mouthpieces that let me sound like me with the least amount of effort. If
I try a mouthpiece that initially produces a different sound (that I like)
and it is fairly easy for me to transmit my art, I can guarantee you that
in no time I will start sounding like me on my regular 'piece. The mpc
will not have a significant impact on the way I sound. I'll sound like
me. The ultimate question will be "Will it be easier to sound like me on
Mpc A or Mpc B?"

Another example. Jim Campbell plays Selmer Recital Clarinets. Jim is a
great artist and these instruments are wonderful tools for him to work
with. He communicates music through these instruments beautifully. The
Recital is a fine instrument, but I'll never be able to play one. It is
easy for me to let the focus and therefore a major part of my colour
pallette tools get away from me when playing clarinet (likely as a result
of playing a lot of bass). For example, I need equipment that allows me to
easily put "rrrr" in the sound and take it away when I feel the music
calls for it. I don't feel that a Selmer Recital clarinet would not
assist me in this regard. I sound "fat" or "flabby" on this instrument
and cannot get the 'rrrr' I need.

The wise artist will always choose the equipment that lets them sound like
themselves with the least amount of effort. Communicating music through
an instrument is hard enough to do without dealing with pressures from
confreres as to what equipment is "better". It may be "better" *for
them*, but to you it's only "different". One has to find out what is
"better" for *oneself*.

Tom, how can you possibly play Leblancs? Tee hee.

=========================================
David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Internet: bassethn@-----.org
=========================================

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