Klarinet Archive - Posting 000169.txt from 2005/10

From: Terry Halvorson <oboeterry@-----.fm>
Subj: [kl] Re: Upward Creeping Pitch
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 10:48:34 -0400

Walter wrote:
>
>I'm thinking back on what I wrote. Of course, oboists have tremendous
>variability as they can make reeds that can play sharper or flatter as the

>situation dictates.
>
>Isn't it true however, that if you show up with all your reeds, for
example,
>made to play at 440, and the group is playing at 444, you will have big
>problems? As I understand it, the "push-in, pull-out" thing can only be
done to a
>very slight degree.
>
This is a rather extreme situation, IMO... 444? Are you really serious?
I'd find somewhere else to play... As to the push in/pull out, you're
right there, as that is simply not how an oboe is tuned. We adjust with
embouchure and by playing different reeds.

>Is it possible to show up with several well playing reeds, one at 440, one

>at 442, and a third at 444?
>
Maybe not quite this large of a difference, but I (and most other oboists
whom I know) generally try to keep most of my good reeds about 440-441, but
with 1 or 2 each that play well a little low or a little high.

>As to discouraging "pitch creep" I am well known as the guy who keeps
>calling for another "A," just to keep that very situation from happening.
>
Good for you... although it would be nice if _everyone_ were keeping there
ears open and not allowing it, at least _you_ are trying to keep them
honest!

Then "Steve" wrote:

>The subject of higher pitch is an interesting problem for Tuneup. When I
deal with major orchestras, they all want the A442 version of Tuneup, yet
>readily admit that A442 is a "starting" point!

I am curious as to which "major orchestras" in the US are _starting_ at
442. And also, if they are already starting so high, why (how?) would they
allow the pitch to creep even more? I'd like to let it creep down :-)
This is fun!

Terry Halvorson
Los Angeles

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