Klarinet Archive - Posting 000129.txt from 2004/05

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] RE: What is "Natural Vibrato"??
Date: Thu, 6 May 2004 19:04:50 -0400

Bryan Crumpler posted:

> . . . For clarinetists,
> however, contracting the diaphram makes the vibrato sound forced, like
> you're huffing, and it can be somewhat robotic-sounding - hence,
> unnatural.
> Using the embouchure on clarinet achieves a more natural sounding vibrato
> because the airflow is still supported by the diaphram, so the sound is
> still supported as well, and the vibration in the sound isn't caused
> anywhere else except at the reed.

A search of the archives will show a debate on the merits of diaphragm v.
jaw (embouchure) vibrato, as well as the physiology of both. It's not that
easy.

Here in the States, jaw vibrato is used much more on the saxophone than the
clarinet. I've heard many a fine vibrato emanating from the player's
diaphragm, not "forced" at all. Jaw vibrato can certainly be forced, OTOH,
as Eddie ("Lockjaw") Davis most evidently demonstrated. Both techniques
have been used successfully. The results depend more on the ability of the
performer than the technique used.

Gross generalizations on technique are - well - gross.

As to "natural" vibrato, cats purr. I'm told by my veterinarian friend
(also a bassoonist, fwiw) that the physiology of the purr is somewhat of a
mystery. Perhaps it's related to the mystery of the diaphragm vibrato (I'd
guess not, but that would be a guess).

kjf

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