Klarinet Archive - Posting 000596.txt from 2001/09

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: On playing second clarinet
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 16:29:16 -0400

In a message dated 9/17/01 4:13:05 PM, klarinet-digest-help@-----.org
writes:

<< 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.
>>

I think we agree for the most part. My instincts and experience tell me to
stay in the background unless I either know the principal player and his
preferences well or unless specifically asked to play out. Also important, of
course, is to use your ears in focusing on the sound and style of the
principal player rather than on your own sound.

Basically, it comes down to the character of the sound of the principal
player and what he or she needs to feel comfortable. There are certainly
principal players who prefer the 2nd clarinetist to play much more softly all
the time, and there are a few who like the 2nd player to play out more. My
main point was that playing 2nd clarinet requires a different musical (and
professional) mindset than principal playing.

Again, listen outward to the other player. If the 1st player doesn't sound
right, the 2nd should make adjustments to help as much as possible.

David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com

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