Klarinet Archive - Posting 000305.txt from 1997/03

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Breathing on the clarinet (and wind instruments in general)
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 10:09:18 -0500

On Fri, 7 Mar 1997, Jonathan Cohler wrote:

>
> Point number (1) is a natural result of the fact that as we run out of
> breath, there is a natural tendency for muscles to tense up. This tension
> can cause all kinds of problems and mistakes.
>
> The key here is to isolate the tension to your stomach muscles that are
> pushing the air out of your lungs. Avoid tension in the neck, head, face,
> mouth, eyebrows, etc...
>
> Also, when one takes a breath through the mouth, one must reset the
> embouchure and restart the flow of air. Both of which are very disruptive
> activities, especially around technical passages.
>
>
> Therefore, not breathing is a better option whenever possible. The best
> places for breaths are in rests (hence the name).
>
> ------------------------
> Jonathan Cohler
> cohler@-----.net
>
I wholeheartedly agree with this; however, as someone who dislikes the
idea of circular breathing (for the usual arguments), I have often foumd
myself sneaking a quick "nose breath" in places where I need a bit more
air and there is no opportunity for a good "mouth breath" and embouchure
reset. I don't lose pitch, I don't lose time, and I don't pass out! Any
comments?

BTW, the second part for "La Traviata" is just as boring as I was warned
it would be ......

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu