Klarinet Archive - Posting 000074.txt from 2000/11

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Left Hand
Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2000 03:10:48 -0500

In message <31.be0ccd2.27301173@-----.org writes:
> Audrey Travis, discussing "Slur across the break," asks:
>
> >...my own problems in smooth slurring from low to high are a reflection
> of how quickly (or not ) I manage to press [the register] key, i.e.
> coordination of thumb and the remainder of my fingers. Could you suggest any
> more exercises that might address this?<
>
> Audrey -
>
> The key (pun intended) is economy of movement, which you get with a left hand
> position that puts your index finger and thumb near the Ab, A and Bb keys. I
> have long fingers but a short thumb, so my left index finger naturally curves
> around the A and Ab keys, in the way a flutist's left hand does (though much
> less extreme). Keep a straight line in your wrist (from along the top of
> your forearm to your knuckles), and then rotate your wrist clockwise a little
> bit so that your index finger nearly touches the keys. You'll probably have
> to extend your left ring finger completely straight to cover its hole.
>
> Beginners are taught to "roll" the left index finger onto the A key, but the
> word "roll" invites rotation of the wrist to get on the key and rotation back
> to get off. Once you find a hand position that has most of the roll built
> into it, the motion is small and mostly sideways, with the edge of the
> finger. It's the same for the register key -- a nudge up with the upper edge
> of your thumb.
>
> No two hands are the same shape, so you'll need to experiment to find a way
> that's relaxed and efficient.
>
> The three Etudes for the Left Hand in Vol. 3 of the Langenus Method are
> excellent for working on this. When you first try them, you will feel your
> fingers flying all over the place. Work on them until you can look in a
> mirror and barely see your fingers moving.
>
> Best regards.
>
> Ken Shaw
>
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>
Not only hands vary -- there is a (surprising?) amount of variation
in the shape and length of touchpiece of the A key between different
clarinets - and probably between anybody's B flat and A instruments.
A longer touchpiece could need more pressure. Etc., etc. - I'd
better stop before I start writing real rubbish.....
Roger S.

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