Klarinet Archive - Posting 000311.txt from 1997/03

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Breathing on the clarinet (and wind instruments in general)
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 11:18:45 -0500

Jacqueline Eastwood wrote:

>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

There's nothing wrong with taking a nose breath (that's what you do when
you circular breathe).

I, however, don't understand how anyone can logically "dislike the idea" of
circular breathing.

Given that circular breathing is simply a technique for extending one's
breath capacity and improving one's overall playing ability, how can one
dislike the idea of it?

Perhaps what you meant was that you dislike the way some players use the
technique. I have certainly seen the technique abused in obtrusive ways
that get in the way of the music. (And this is true of *any* technique.)

However, leaving the technique out of your arsenal, because you have heard
or seen some people abuse it, seems to be wholely counter productive and
limiting.

-----------------------------
Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net