Klarinet Archive - Posting 000467.txt from 2005/08

From: "Steve" <steve@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Tuning vs. Intonation
Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 10:14:24 -0400

There have been many very good thoughts on this subject in the last week,
but they stop short of one very important observation.

It is not enough to tell a player to "listen". One must know what to listen
for!

Consistent in every orchestra, college and high school I clinic is the
completely arbitrary fact of aptitude. In working with one of the premiere
clarinet teachers in the country, a person you would all know, a solemn
conclusion was made: often it is the best technical, even "musical" players
who cannot hear pitch discrepancy. A person so incredibly accomplished in
some areas will, perhaps unconsciously, "justify" their poor pitch. I've
seen it and have tactfully but directly confronted these players. When all
is said and done, they simply could not hear when they are out of tune. Yet,
whether by arrogance or obliviousness, they are content to ruin performances
daily with their lack of skill in this area.

The solution to this is the same approach with any other area of fine
musicianship. One must confront their ability and aptitude honestly.

Fortunately, with hard work and "eternal vigilance", fine pitch, whether
just or tempered, can be developed by even the most modest player. I see it
every day. The key is to develop the sensitivity to pitch discrepancy. This
is not simply a matter of hearing "beats". I no longer teach in terms of
beats, but in terms of playing "intuitively". Again, the article at
www.banddirector.com lays an excellent foundation for this approach.

The first challenge, however, is to admit to the problem. I would challenge
each of you to review recordings of your own performances and evaluate your
intonation skills honestly. Your colleagues have already done this, but they
will not walk up to you and say "Are you aware how badly out of tune you
are?"

After attending a rehearsal of Tchaik 6 with one of the top orchestras in
the world, I spoke with the Principal Clarinetist. This person completely
redefined my concept of what was possible on the instrument. When I said,
"You make it sound so natural", his reply was "You think I was born this
way? Hell, no! I had to fight to develop this skill just as much as any
other".

Here's hoping there are other fighters out there...!

Steve

Stephen Colley
www.tuneupsystems.com
804-852-8219

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