Klarinet Archive - Posting 000353.txt from 1995/08

From: bassethn@-----.ORG
Subj: Intonation question
Date: Sat, 26 Aug 1995 20:18:55 -0400

On 08-25-95, R_Adam_Pease wrote to ** ALL **:

IR> I am becoming more aware of the notes on my clarinet which are less
IR> in tune than others. My solution has been to alter fingerings. My
questions are: is adding keys anormal solution that others employ or is it
potentially a bad habit?

Welcome to the world of clarinet intonation.

Although you describe more difficulties than what might be considered
acceptable, putting keys down/opening them up is de rigeur in order to
play well in tune. Contrary to what some brass players might think, you
don't just press the button and the right note comes out.

Intonation problems such as you describe can be the result of a few
things. In my experience, minor leaks spell big intonation trouble.
Perhaps the bore at the tenons is compressed/not round making a choke.
Any thoughts on this, repair guys? Opening up the A-G# keys or some
tone-hole work up there may be a solution. If you were playing Buffet
(with which I am more familiar), I'd suggest that you try different
barrels (Moenig Barrels, etc.)

Intonation is an organic and not an absolute thing. I am always
listening, always adjusting pitch either consciously or subconsciously.
In section playing, good intonation is more important than good sound
quality (although generally speaking these two things are inextricably
linked). If I was playing second clarinet, I wouldn't think twice about
making a top space E sound dull, flabby or unfocused if doing so brings
the pitch down so it's a good major third in B flat major (concert) chord.

IR> I also have a subjective perception that it is extremely minor pitch
IR> differences which cause a degradation in the quality of sound of an
IR> ensemble. This means that the listener does not perceive an
IR> intonation problem but only a less beautiful timbre. Does anyone
IR> else have this impression?

There is no question that a group that is playing well in tune has a
different sound than a group with minor pitch difficulties. There is a
fullness & a richness evident in these groups -- a real 'ring' in their
sound.

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

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