Klarinet Archive - Posting 000707.txt from 2003/06

From: Tski1128@-----.com
Subj: [kl] viva vibrato
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 14:29:52 -0400

I would like to know what is the primary argument that vibrato is verboten on the clarinet. What is the historical and artistic basis. If there is a real reason, that would pretty much make the clarinet the only instrument, except bagpipes, and piano not to be able to use it.

I use vibrato on sax as well as on clarinet, but there is a major differance on how I apply it. I find that on saxophone vibratto can be used help notes musically from one to another, when I've played notes on a spectrometer, the way the overtones show up emphasizes the first(octave) overtone. This in a sound I feel can give it some of the intensity drive that Tabatau, and other oboists feel is desireable.

On clarinet, I find I use it but only for a suble warming of the sound in places. If one plays into the Spectrometer, and uses alot vibrato the same thing happens but because of that close tube accoustic stuff you get a lot of the 12th coming in and out. I feel this changes the charactoristic sound too much for my taste. But I love how a little bit just sweetens the sound. It's a bummer, I think that having the kind of vibrato availible to oboes and saxophones makes it easier for them make a phase sing. Mean while all we get is a little louder and quieter, and a little ability to change the intensity.

I must admit there are times that I wonder why so many clarientist want to sound like my korg tuner. But that would be talking about tone color and that could get nastier than vibrato. I look forward to seeing everone in Salt Lake!

Tom Puwalski, Recent BM graduate UofMD , former Principal Clarintist with the US Army Field Band, author of the Clarinetists Guide to Klezmer. and Clarinetis with Lox&Vodka

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