Klarinet Archive - Posting 000403.txt from 1998/10

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] air leaks
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 10:32:23 -0400

In a message dated 10/9/98 8:15:52 AM, klarinet-digest-help@-----.org writes:

<<how common are air leaks
and what do teachers and performers do to overcome them, or are they not
generally considered a serious flaw in playing?
>>

Air leaks have become more of a liability with the advent of multi-miking and
digital recording, for obvious reasons (same with loud breath-taking!). My
Teacher, Robert Marcellus, often had a very audible leak on very loud passages
(Capriccio Espanol, mvt 3) or on fast crescendos. However, the shape of his
sound and the quality of his sound on those passages is undisturbed and very
beautiful. My other idol, Harold Wright, could sometimes be heard to leak
also. In neither case does the leaking really distract me from their artistry.
Benny Goodman developed a tremendous air leak after Kell messed with his
embochure.

Nowadays, an audible air leak could be the difference between a job and no
job. I got comments once after what I thought was a very strong semi-final
round of an opera house audition (which I didn't advance from). Turns out I
leaked air on ONE excerpt (it was Forest Murmurs, of all things). I am sure
that wasn't the only thing I did wrong, but it was noticed (D'OH)!

I am not sure there is any specific technical instuction you can give a
student to correct an air leak. It is possible to leak air from many different
points in the embochure. I think making the student aware of the problem and
not letting him/her get away with it (that was Marcellus's approach) may be
best. Gets the student listening to his/her sound more closely, which is an
added (and necessary) bonus.

David Hattner, NYC

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