Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 2001/09

From: "Steve Hartman" <sdh902@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] On playing second clarinet
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 15:35:09 -0400

On Playing Second Clarinet:

I must take slight issue with David Hattner on the question of the way to play second clarinet when
the two clarinets are in thirds. I don't believe that the second clarinet should always "shadow"
the first when playing in thirds or sixths. Most of the time, in my experience, it sounds best and
feels best to the first player if the second is equal in volume to the first. It depends, of
course, on the musical context and quality of the second player's sound. I am referring to
situations in which the two clarinets are "featured," such as passages from the "Magic Flute"
Overture or "Rigoletto" or a clarinet duet. When the first clarinet has the melody and the second
clarinet is part of the accompaniment texture, it is appropriate for the second to "shadow." I
agree with David Niethamer that when two clarinets are in octaves, the second should give more
support so that the first can "float" on top of the lower octave. When in unison, I agree with
David that both players should soften the intensity of their sounds in order to make a better blend.
However, if you're playing second and the first player doesn't do that, it's your job to "shadow"
the first so that your sounds do not clash, even if they're perfectly in tune.

Steve Hartman
NYC

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