Klarinet Archive - Posting 000383.txt from 1995/09

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: key-systems, multiphonics...
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 1995 08:48:16 -0400

>Re multiphonics on German system clarinets,there must be very little
>difference.A good example of this is Takemitsu's Waves, a piece for solo
>clarinet,horn, 2 trombones and bass drum. The composer states that the
>multiphonics were written for a wurlitzer clarinet, but would work for
>another type clarinet, also. As I remember, only minor changes were
>necessary for a Boehm clarinet to perform the piece.
>Floyd Williams

I performed Waves in Boston last year with Takemitsu (and Stoltzman!) in
attendance, and I can attest to two things. First, multiphonic fingerings
do require slight modification from instrument to instrument. This is
because the upper partials a very sensitive to the exact construction of
the instrument, mouthpiece and reed. Small differences in any component
can modify the stability of the harmonics. Without modifications, some of
the fingerings simply won't work.

Second, not all of the multiphonics can be produced with all of the exact
pitches noted by Takemitsu (except perhaps on the specific instrument that
he wrote it for). He wrote it with the help of a Japanese clarinetist and,
no doubt, based the fingerings on those of that person's setup.

However, in the case of Waves anyhow, he is not overly concerned with the
exact pitches of the multiphonics, and more with the overall timbral effect
that the combination generates. Several of the four-note multiphonics in
that piece are really spectacular, but some of the individual pitches might
be off by plus or minus 1/2 step.

As an inside, if you ever perform Waves, you should know that Takemitsu's
idol among composers was Duke Ellington, and the piece is meant to not only
invoke the imagery of ocean waves, but also the waves made the trombone
sections of the old dance bands. He wants for the trombones (in designated
sections), and the clarinet (in general) to move around in broad wave
motions.

Great piece, by the way. It wouldn't seem so on first reading, but
audiences absolutely love this piece!

------------------------

Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net

   
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