Klarinet Archive - Posting 000622.txt from 1996/08

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: Horrible Bb
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 1996 10:57:54 -0400

On Thu, 22 Aug 1996, Tanya Kiermaier wrote:

> Is there anything that can be done about improving a horrible throat Bb?

Play in *sharp* keys?!?! But seriously, folks - first thiong to try is to
*carefully* remove the register key and clean out the tube so that
there's no lint (from your swab) or other foreign material there.

> I use the side key whenever possible, which is heaps better, but that other
> note does not seem to improve, despite lots of long note practise.

Someone else mentioned "resonance fingerings". Among my favorites are:
(in addition to the standard Bb fingering)

add the third finger of each hand, plus the RH F/C pinky

or, (for the pp end of the second mvt of the F minor Brahms Sonata) KH
2nd and 3rd fingers plus the F/C pinky (flattens the note quite a bit,
but "clears up" the sound).

I find that most students try to "bite" the Bb into tune/tonal clarity
with too much embouchure pressure. A normal embouchure and plenty of air
support will get you the best sound on this awful fingering.

> I am happy with the sound I get from the rest of the instrument but that Bb
> is driving me mad!

It is my understanding that the placement of the register key is a
compromise - too low for a true register key, and too high and small for
Bb. Compare it to the placement and size of the side Bb. Like every
good compromise, no one is happy!

Good luck!

David Niethamer
=====================================
David Niethamer, Internet Liaison
International Clarinet Association
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
niethamer@-----.edu
http://users.aol.com/dbnclar1/
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