Klarinet Archive - Posting 000528.txt from 1996/09

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <lgbuick@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Ridenour's (or anyone's) throat Bb fingering (?)
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 14:52:39 -0400

>
> I hope this isn't a dumb question, but how on earth does one use the right
> thumb for fingering????? The weight of the whole clarinet rests
> basically on that thumb, if I move it to finger the note, I'm likely to
> drop the horn!

People have already talked about the fact that it's only practical when
sitting down, and takes some getting used to... let me add that it also
depends on the size and shape of your hands. Some people find raising the
thumb up there so uncomfortable that it's totally impractical. On the other
hand... I mean on the same hand, but on my arm ;-)... my right hand is big
enough that I can press that key with the side of the hand while keeping my
fingers on the other keys. This means I can use Ridenour's other suggestion
for that side key, which is to use it as a register vent (instead of the lh
thumb key) for middle B (natural) and C, which gives a truer (lower) pitch,
especially useful when I have to play them as thirds in major triads. (I
actually learned this trick from a bass clarinet player - I do have to use
my thumb on bass!)
>
> > What Bb resonance fingerings get used out there? Is this an old
> > thread? Sorry! One more (Ridenour-inspired) question. The book on
> > fingering discusses half-holing (left index finger) for smoother transition
> > between clarion and altissimo tones. Is this used often? -----Bill F.

Half-holing - yes, constantly, always, I think it should be taught as soon
as you teach those notes. It's valuable not only for connecting smoothly
but for control in staccato and pianissimo, and for correcting intonation
(unfortunately only downwards)(someone correct me if I'm wrong).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LGB Lorne G Buick St. John's
lgbuick@-----.net Newfoundland
Canada

"The greatest thing in life is to die young - but delay it as long as possible"
George Bernard Shaw