Klarinet Archive - Posting 000214.txt from 1998/06

From: <CmdrHerel@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] The "uvular tongue" and a gentle reminder
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:51:10 -0400

In a message dated 98-06-05 12:45:58 EDT, hickling@-----.Net writes:

<< That's a little exaggerated, and extremely ambitious, but I wouldn't call
it wrong - except that I don't agree with the modern emphasis on the
altissimo register. To paraphrase Teri, don't go for those dog-whistle
notes until you have fully exploited everything the clarinet can do up to G
in alt. And bear in mind that accomplishing everything she proposes would
involve a lot more than tongueing technique. It would call for a
carbon-steel lip and the lung power and breath control of a competitive
two-mile swimmer. But her goals are valid ones even if they may never quite
be realized. One's reach should exceed one's grasp, or what's a heaven for?
>>

Hey Lee. I was actually not exaggerating, and I apologize if it sounded as
such. I have included tongue exercises in my daily routine for the last ten
years and my "dare" was just a shake to say what really can be done with a
single tongue. 168 is not excessive. Nor is altissimo sensitivity.

My lungs are not iron and my lips are not steel (Oh but I wish they were!).
But air is indeed one of the most important factors in controlling the tongue.
The other of course is a set-up that will allow sensitivity. I am fortunate
to have a very fine mouthpiece, barrel, and horn combination that lets me do
some wonderful things now.

Blowing hard is not as important as blowing controlled, focused and steady in
staccato. I am actually working now to bring all my dynamic levels down and
achieve the same results at piano volumes rather than the fortissimo I started
with ten years ago. :)

And let me restate that I think there is value in double tonguing. I am only
issuing a word of caution to perhaps some younger readers who might read about
it and think that this is the way to get to tongue fast.

Thanks!
Teri Herel.

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