Klarinet Archive - Posting 000693.txt from 2002/11

From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Light Fingers...
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 23:58:41 -0500

Ben -

This is exactly what happened when I corrected my hand position. And, the
slow, precise practicing does a lot more for speed than recklessly pushing
speed, speed, speed and "training" one's hands to make the inevitable
mistakes that occur when speed is pushed beyond what one's hands have been
trained to play by precise practice.

Ben, RIGHT ON!!!

Regards,

Gene N.

-----Original Message-----
From: Benjamin Maas [mailto:benmaas@-----.com]
Subject: RE: [kl] Light Fingers...

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tony Pay [mailto:Tony@-----.uk]
>
> On Thu, 14 Nov 2002 16:24:41 -0800, benmaas@-----.com said:
>
> > This is something that I've worked on extensively with two of my former
> > teachers- Peter Hadcock and Kenneth Grant. Both of whom were former
> > students of Stanley Hasty.
> >
> > One of the things that Hasty was known for was an unbelievable legato
> > in playing. To work on this,
>
> [snip of technical instructions]
>
> So -- let me get this straight -- is this a technique you're
> recommending we apply across the board? Or only when 'legato' is
> required?
>
> If so, when is 'legato' required? Always, under a slur?
>
> Tony

Perhaps I should have been a bit clearer (now that I read what I wrote, I
could see a miscommunication)...

Anyway, this was a basis for a solid technique on the instrument. When one
is capable of playing legato through the smooth use of fingers, it becomes
much easier to play fast passages with a fluid technique. If you aren't
"pounding" the instrument, fast passages will sound smoother and clearer.
Also, slow work on one's technique, paying attention to exactly what you are
doing can be a big help overall...

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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