Klarinet Archive - Posting 000547.txt from 2001/10

From: Virginia Anderson <assembly1@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: "softer, gentler" side to the Eb/purpose
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 08:51:58 -0400

on 16/10/01 9:15 pm, "David McClune" <dmcclune@-----.edu> wrote:

> The Eb clarinet itself needs to be approached as a unique instrument and =
> not a small clarinet. It is quite humbling to play, since you cannot hide =
> in a section. Any fundamental clarinet playing problems are magnified on =
> the Eb. Thus you need a very stable embouchure and breath support. The =
> horn needs to be in great repair condition and high quality. The =
> mouthpiece and reed combination needs to be of the highest quality. =20
>
> When you agree to play Eb, you are musically and sonically exposed. Thus =
> never go cheap, but spend the extra money on the best equipment to make =
> your job less difficult.
>
> The Eb should sound quite beautiful if you approach it with the best mind =
> set. That said...if a player cannot play under MF, they need to be in the =
> second or third row back to lessen the "impact" of their sound. =20

This is wisdom of the best sort (although I'd suggest getting players who
could play under MF - we expect at least that from beefer players). There
is also a slight advantage for those with smaller/thinner fingers, as they
can transfer up without so much of an immediate loss in technical facility.
Horny-handed sons of toil can prevail with practice, though :-).

Cheers,

Virginia
--
Virginia Anderson
Leicester, UK
<vanderson@-----.uk>
Experimental Music Catalogue: <http://www.experimentalmusic.co.uk>
...experimental music since 1969....

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