Klarinet Archive - Posting 000208.txt from 2002/08

From: POWELLM397@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Throat F and F# fingerings
Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 03:24:04 -0400

John J O'Neil asked for our opinions, so.

I love extremes of playing slow, fast, soft, loud.

With scales I have always practised upto 1000 notes per minute. ( I have had the luxury of a lot of hours spent practising in my youth).

Simply I find that where possible sections of scales played with one hand is better for coordination.

Try tapping with one hand 4 taps followed by one in the other hand and back 4 taps followed by one in the other hand alternating. Now gradually accelerate, as you increase speed you will lose coordination and evenness of tap.

Obviously you don't have to wash dishes at extreme speeds.

On the chromatic scale you can play from C below the stave upto throat Bflat all with one hand.

I find the constant rhythm of the muscles moving in the one hand helps the coordination.
If the muscles are moving constantly, and it is hard to move them unevenly at speed, then there is no time for extra blips to appear.

Playing slower and purely legato I would use the side keys.
Have you heard the saying, there is more than one way to skin a cat.
Just trying to give my opinion of what I do. Not, suggesting a definitive way of playing.

Kind regards
Martin

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