Klarinet Archive - Posting 000711.txt from 1997/12

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: More SELMER talks
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 20:57:57 -0500

How and What to Practice (Selmer)

Practice half an hour at a time with a fifteen-minute rest between each
period.
It is not what you practice that counts but how.
It is better to stand while practicing.

A GOOD CLEAR TONE IS TO BE DESIRED ABOVE EVERY OTHER QUALIFICATION.
Technique is decidedly secondary to tone and intonation.
No matter how accomplished a clarinetist may be technically and
musically, if he has not a pleasing Vibrant tone, he hopelessly
handicapped for fine playing.
Everyone would prefer to hear a simple melody played with a good tone
than the most complicated concerto delivered with an unpleasant tone.

Every clarinetist should sustain tones throughout the entire register,
with the exception of the extreme high notes, for at least half an hour
daily before beginning other study, taking care to keep the tones well
in tune both in crescendos and decrescendos, as otherwise only half the
benefit will be derived.

True, the higher voiced clarinets call for special study but the results
that may be obtained make the effort worth while.
These facts are equally true of the high Ab clarinet, which produces a
violin-like high register in the band-- a valuable adjunct.
The tones of both the Eb and Ab clarinets have an exceedingly
penetrating quality and for this reason they must be carefully played so
that their real virtues may be displayed.

(From talks to clarinetists, first published in 1912)

Avrahm Galper