Klarinet Archive - Posting 000017.txt from 2004/08

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] ClarinetFest 2004, day 4
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 17:13:28 -0400


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lelia Loban [mailto:lelialoban@-----.net]=20
>=20
> I'm scratching my head over this comment. Ben, I know you're a pro
> recording engineer -- are you saying that you've done decibel=20
> tests that
> prove that closing the lid doesn't mute the volume of the piano? I've
> played the piano, as an amateur, for about fifty years. What=20
> you write
> goes against everything I think I know. =20
>=20

Guess I need to explain a bit further...

I have done tests- albeit not with a decibel meter of the traditional
sense, but with my recording setup at numerous venues (this is a common
discussion I have with performers, especially with pianists that =
accompany
vocalists). What it comes down to is this- The overall level is a touch
softer with the lid closed, but not because the amount of sound energy =
is
really that much lower. What is missing is a lot of the high-frequency =
and
mid-high frequency information (hence the muffled sound). A look at a
spectral analysis shows that the lower frequency information is just as
loud... So, yes, it is slightly softer but it is a result of the =
missing
sound waves. =20

Most pianos radiate lower frequency sound whether the lid is open or
closed... I've only experienced one instrument that was constructed to =
send
as much of the sound out as possible and to minimize the vibrations =
coming
out through the body- and that is the Fazioli concert grand. It is a
wonderful instrument with a body that is probably about 3 inches thick
(including the lid- it is the only piano where I've had difficulties =
lifting
the lid). To get around this issue in recording sessions, I've even =
gotten
these things to place under the legs (made of material similar to hockey
pucks) to decouple the instrument from the ground. It really helps firm =
up
the sound of the low end on the instrument. (As an aside, you can do a
similar thing to speakers on stands and you can dramatically improve the
sound of the lower frequencies)

Putting the lid on the low stick is a compromise that at least doesn't
destroy the sound of the instrument. You end up with a slight muffling =
of
the top end so it doesn't project as well, but at least the sound can =
escape
and you end up with a useable piano sound. =20

As musicians that depend on another instrument for collaboration (face =
it,
how many people want to listen to an hour of unaccompanied clarinet) we =
need
to be aware that the sound coming off the stage isn't just about us...
Making sure that the other instruments are playing with the best tone =
they
can play with is also important. This is especially true in works like
sonatas and chamber music where the piano is integral in the music. =20

As I said in my initial post, the pianist needs to be just as aware of =
the
fact that they are playing an instrument that can be very loud and =
adjust
for it. Unfortunately, they are in the unenviable position that they =
rarely
get to perform on the instrument that they practiced on.

Oh and by the way, while clarinet is by far my best instrument (and the
instrument that I have played professionally), I started my musical =
journey
on the piano as well and have played for about 20 years now.

I'll get off my soapbox now....

--Ben

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

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