Klarinet Archive - Posting 000297.txt from 1996/07

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Lips
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 12:56:23 -0400

On Sat, 13 Jul 1996, Roger Shilcock wrote:

> Does anyone play single-lip on the *bass* clarinet?

I am a woodwind doubler, primarily a bassoonist, but I started on
clarinet. I don't often have occasion to play bass clarinet, but when I
do, I play it with a single-lip embouchure, as I do all the clarinets and
all the saxophones. In my nearly 50 years in music, including playing in
quite a few professional orchestras, I have _never_ been aware of anyone
playing the bass clarinet with a double-lip embouchure, although I
recognize that it is possible that someone was doing so and I just didn't
notice.

I have experimented with double-lip embouchures a little bit, but just
find it too painful. My conclusion, unsupported by medical evidence, is
that we have a greater density of nerve endings in the upper lip than in
the lower.

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************