Klarinet Archive - Posting 000623.txt from 1999/12

From: "W. Edinger" <wde1@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] "cause for concern?"
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 19:06:16 -0500

After reading what is apparently the original article (thanks for
providing the URL), it seems to me that the main problem is, indeed, a
journalist who is anatomically challenged (with reference to Gray's
Anatomy). The journalist cited the article by writing:

"'Saxophonists, like other wind instrument players, all use circular
breathing - you fill your lungs and neck with air and you try to breathe
in through your mouth and out through your nose,' said Dr Sanjay Kinra,
one of the researchers."

The original article said, "...like other wind instrument players, often
use circular breathing..."

Quite a difference between "all" and "often." There was also no mention
at all in the original of breathing out through your nose. In fact, the
original description of CB appeared to be pretty accurate, although I'm
no expert. However, I HAVE had incompetent, lazy "journalists" put
quotes around words I never said or even implied and had them attributed
to me. Some of these morons have no idea even what punctuation is for.

One more clue that this all may have been at least partially
tongue-in-cheek - one of the authors responds to a letter that suggested
copper in the brass mouthpieces might be toxic:

"It is possible that copper poisoning may be a confounder in the
relationship between circular breathing and mortality risk. Famous
saxophonists use circular breathing to produce long solos which would
also increase the exposure to copper. There is anecdotal evidence of
knowledge of this, amongst jazz musicians. In a famous exchange, John
Coltrane told his boss (Miles Davis) that once immersed in a solo, he
didn't [know] how to stop. 'Try taking the saxophone out of your mouth'
said Davis. This suggests an astute early awareness of public health
issues in Mr Davis."

Sounds like it's less than totally serious. Either that, or the guy
(Kinra) is a total flake, or desperate to build up his c.v.

Bill Edinger

--
****************************
"Music and wine are one."

- Ralph W. Emerson

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org