Klarinet Archive - Posting 000817.txt from 2003/09

From: ormondtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: Re: [kl] Altissimo Range
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 21:13:08 -0400

Another factor that I've identified in my own technique, which hasn't
been mentioned yet --- my apologies if you've heard this 10,000 times
already, Tim --- is that focusing my attention on an O-shaped embouchure
and flattened chin, with the corners of my mouth pulled in like a pair
of purse strings, helps me fight the 'up tight' tension-filled feeling
that leads to biting, to collapsing the reed, and to a pinched tone (or
no note at all).

I think it is fair to say that a proper altissimo note should not 'feel'
difficult to you as you play it, nor should an altissimo note require
tremendous effort. If it does, something needs to be relaxed somehow
--- similar to the manner in which anticipatory tension while crossing
the break can mess a person up. My teacher used to suggest shaking my
shoulders and arms and fingers and flopping my head and lips (similar to
a dog shaking its fur) in order to dispel accumulated tension.

For me, a slit-shaped embouchure is closely-related to tension and
anxiety. And vice versa. Either one of them summons the other by
association. The result is a pinched tone (or whatever metaphor you
wish to use). By contrast, an O-shaped embouchure and flattened forces
your lips (rather than your teeth or jaw) to take control, as someone
else has already posted.

But I want to return to my original comment --- nothing is going to
solve the problem completely if your instrument needs maintenance or if
your mouthpiece doesn't' suit you. Be sure to sample different
manufacturers as well as different models from one manufacturer.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org