Klarinet Archive - Posting 001267.txt from 2003/04

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl]Mid-performance crises
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 12:28:11 -0400

In a message dated 4/29/2003 6:52:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, wsemple@-----.com writes:

> 1) What is the experience of those on the listserve with the difference, if any, between pre-recital reed performance and recital reed performance?>>

There should be no difference.
>
> 2) Does anyone select a reed that is a smidgen stronger for performance,>>

I would not do that.

<<2. continued? Tony, do you ever get nervous?>>

Everyone gets nervous. If you're not a litte nervous, do you really care?
>
> 3) Has anyone ever had similar issues, and how do you respond?>>

Bill, I think anyone who has ever performed in public has these same issues. What you need to do is to perform in public often enough that you are COMFORTABLE playing in public. Play anywhere you can, anywhere you are asked, beg friends to listen to you before important concerts, auditions, etc. Get used to it and ENJOY it.
>
> 4) Has there ever been a case where a performer has had to
> CHANGE REEDS during a performance?>>

I have changed reeds during an intermission, but not between pieces or during a piece for many many years. With all the pressures of performing, playing on a different reed, is exactly like changing horses in the middle of the stream.

I believe that most cases of "sudden death" of a reed during a performance, are due to the increased tension, tightness, biting, etc, that can ocur, when you are nervous.

I no longer believe in the "perfect" reed, or even the "best" reed. When I show up for a performance, I have at least four well broken in reeds, any of which I know I could perform on. As I warm up in the hall, I select the one that feels most comfortable for me and sounds the best in that particular hall.

I work reeds in batches of four - simply because that what fits in the Vandoren reed holders . I have four well seasoned, four coming along, and four brand new.

I always select from the "well-seasoned" batch first.

Anyway, in this way I avoid mid-performance reed crises.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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