Klarinet Archive - Posting 000584.txt from 1998/01

From: Michael Jones <qmoon@-----.net>
Subj: Re: vibrato
Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 11:09:29 -0500

I learned Tenor Sax first and played mostly big band swing. Vibrato was
not only encouraged and appropriate-sounding, but is written into the
charts.

I took up the clarinet last year and most of my early renditions of
etudes and solos featured lots of vibrato. When my teacher insisted
that I play without vibrato, I realized that I couldn't hold the notes
well nor make a very pleasing tone. It was clear that I was using
vibrato to mask the deficiencies in my technique. (I dropped vibrato
like a hot potato and inserted lots of long tones into my practicing.)

How does this related to the question? Use of vibrato can be an
artistic choice only if it is a technical choice. Maybe it is more
likely that those with heavy classical experience and training have the
"chops" to make that choice.

Mike