Klarinet Archive - Posting 000808.txt from 2000/05

From: Tony@-----.uk (Tony Pay)
Subj: [kl] My dream
Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 16:56:16 -0400

For many years now, I've wanted to have a really respectable embouchure
and address to the instrument. I know I should have worked on it
earlier, but somehow I was too seduced by people asking me to play in
concerts.

I know I should have been much more serious. And now it's probably too
late.

My dream was to play without my upper teeth touching the mouthpiece, no
biting, and with a really flat chin. I know, because so many
intelligent people have told me over the years, that this is basis of
the only sure way to the true clarinet sound, the sound that all of the
clarinet legends made, each in his or her own way.

And I wanted to be able to touch the tip of the reed with the tip of my
tongue, too -- and, *consistently*.

Why don't I do this???

I so often fall short of the ideal. I can't stand it.

Fingers too -- not claws, but gently curved always, without superfluous
tension. NO gripping the instrument at dramatic moments! (How often
I've yielded to *that* temptation.)

I feel bad also that I never really learnt how to adjust reeds
*properly*. There are books that can help you, I know, like 'The Art of
Clarinetistry', by William Stubbins. Why could I never manage to
summon up the concentration to get through this marvellous book? I have
no self-discipline.

And I never found the artist/artisan genius mouthpiece-maker that I
could work with intimately. My dream was for us to create together (and
then give to the world) our version of the truth; a truth that, without
negating the fundamental designs, apertures or facings of the great
players of the past, nevertheless contrived to add at least one small
contribution toward the ideal of the perfect mouthpiece.

But I never looked hard enough, so we never met, lazy sod that I am.

I'm really ashamed of myself, you know? I feel as though I've wasted my
life, and let you all down.

I'm sorry, everyone.

Tony
--
_________ Tony Pay
|ony:-) 79 Southmoor Rd Tony@-----.uk
| |ay Oxford OX2 6RE www.gmn.com/artists/welcome.asp
tel/fax 01865 553339

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