Klarinet Archive - Posting 000210.txt from 2005/06

From: John Dablin <jdablin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bounced babies
Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2005 18:22:36 -0400

On Saturday 11 Jun 2005 20:58, Tony Pay wrote:

>
> Not related to this experiment, and I know introspection is suspect,
> but I *think* my notions of pulse are primarily kinaesthetic, with a
> touch of the visual element. I want to say, I 'feel' the beat, and
> also feel strong and weak beats, but there's a sort of vague visual
> image as well.
>

I never feel the urge to tap a foot with the beat (or any other bodily
motion) while playing, indeed if I try, I find it extremely
distracting. I do, however, have a pulse going in my head, but I can't
possibly explain the form it takes. However, if I have difficulty
playing a complex rhythm I find it's often solved by doubling the rate
of my mental "beat", thinking semi-quavers (sixteenths), for example.
instead of quavers (eighth notes). I don't *think* this is apparent to
the listener (although that may well be hubris).

I find I need to keep this "beat" going, even if the music is freer,
more rubato in style. I think I need it like signposts to judge where
I am in the phrase, while not keeping strictly to time. Again, I hope
this doesn't show, but I do wonder if it's a shortcoming that isn't
needed by really fine musicians.

John Dablin
Aylesbury UK

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