Klarinet Archive - Posting 000142.txt from 1996/10

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: CO2 influencing pitch.
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 12:51:49 -0400

>>
>> Does anybody know offhand how the varying CO2 content affects pitch?
>> Jordan

>
> Sometimes, I belch
>while playing. This brings lots of CO2 in my breath and in the clarinet. The
>pitch is immediately affected and lowers for about a quarter of a tone, and
>then
>climbs slowly back, up to the old pitch.
>
>Luuk van Buul

But isn't the change in pitch most likely caused by your change of
embouchure?!! My guess is that the only effect that increased CO2
(conversely, oxygen depletion!) would have would be to make you lightheaded
and possibly pass out. This may or may not improve your pitch!
The definitive experiment would be to gradually replace all of the
air in a concert hall with CO2 during a performance and measure the
effects! ( We have plans to do this with the Richmond Symphony next season;
please don't tell them: we want it to be a surprise!)

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu

   
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