Klarinet Archive - Posting 000092.txt from 1995/10

From: Laurence Liberson <hardreed@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: I wish they could all be Bb
Date: Thu, 5 Oct 1995 15:08:00 -0400

>Having said this, while playing the Eb (which I do in a community band without
>much formal training), I myself try to make the sound as bell-like, and as pure
>of tone as possible, much like I think a Bb should be played in those
>registers.
>In other words, I try to avoid a harsh, disagreeable piercing tone -- which I
>have seen described in print, although I must say is not how I've heard it
>done by professionals in concert.
>
>It is a different instrument. Does it still taste like chicken?
>
>Ed Lowry
>Sacramento
>

So, Ed...of what professionals are you speaking?

Granted, there are alot of uninviting E-flat clarinet sounds and styles
around; however, while we so-called professionals try to sound somewhat
consistent in how we "portray" ourselves tonally, you must realize (which I
am certain that you already do!) that certain tunes lend themselves to,
shall we say, different "interpretations" (I didn't say 'colors'!)of what
the E-flat should sound like.

I don't think I would want my "Bolero" to sound exactly like the second
movement of Shostakovich 7th, for example. (Horrors!)

Larry "hopefully not harsh, disagreeable and piercing" Liberson
Detroit Symphony Orchestra (yes, I'm the E-flat player!)
hardreed@-----.com