Klarinet Archive - Posting 000648.txt from 1998/01

From: "reedy" <mwhight@-----.uk>
Subj: RE: vibrato
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 05:03:55 -0500

Jonathan

I want to be sure to say accurately what my beliefs are.
I still do not believe that vibrato was part of a core sound on classical
instruments and as yet there has been little evidence that it was vocally
either.Maybe when you have had time to look up your sources I will be
persuaded otherwise.

This is not to say that vibrato was NEVER used. Indeed I agree it was used
to colour the sound in many instruments.

I think you need to check the mouthpiece on your boxwood clarinet. It is
possible to play classical instruments on mouthpieces not dissimilar to a
B45. I'm not saying you do this but the result is to radically alter the
nature of the instrument. I recommend that you seek out either Grenser or
Simiot models as a reference point.

These makers represent the pinnacle of achievement in their own countries at
the time and it is likely that the best players would have wanted to play on
their instruments.

Personally speaking I prefer discrete use of vibrato. It's application as a
colouring device is very useful but I don't like it to form part of the core
sound. I cannot bear over use of it in say Gesualdo or Monteverdi as there
are many other effects employed the late works of these composers as "word
pictures".Over use of vibrato in a case such as this would take away from
the expression in my opinion.I cannot agree with you that there are natural
forces at work that lead man to use vibrato as the primary musically
expressive device( if that is what you believe).

Michael Whight