Klarinet Archive - Posting 000121.txt from 1997/11

From: PGAYR@-----.com
Subj: Re: Ricardo Morales Recital
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 00:32:35 -0500

Fred wrote:

Of course I understand about reeds, but for whatever reason, I believe that
at Mr. Morales' level, it just shouldn't happen. As I said in my initial
post, something seemed wrong with his reed- it seemed too hard as it had an
airy undertone. Can anybody comment on that?

I didn't hear Ricardo's recital, so I can comment only on your description.
The airy undertone does not usually occur unless there is imbalance in the
two ears of the reed. Hardness in its' self will not cause breathieness,
only damping of the highs leading to dullness or deadness in the tone if the
damping is excessive. Imbalance also explains insecurity in response in the
high attacks.
This commonly happens when mouthpieces with askew or crooked facings are
used..... they are beastly hard to impossibly to truly balance a reed on and
, for what ever other virtues they may have, tend towards these two faults
you have described here.
This has been my experience anyway.
tom R.