Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 2004/10

From: "Keith" <100012.1302@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] RE: Some more thoughts on embouchures
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 14:16:42 -0400

I have read Benade's books and many of his research papers, and do have the
physical and mathematical background to understand them (FWIW I hold
professorships in both physics and engineering). That doesn't mean I'm right
of course, but I agree with Forest's arguments. It is the vibration of the
whole reed, driven by air pressure, that excites the air column in the
clarinet into oscillation and hence produces the sound.

Further, if it is necessary to have the vibrating element hitting something
in order to produce a sound, then a tuning fork wouldn't work, would it? Nor
would a loudspeaker.

Actually, one hand waving in the air does produce a noise. Just a different
noise from a clap.

Analogies and metaphors are great teaching tools. But inappropriate ones
just sow confusion.

Keith Bowen

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