Author: d-oboe
Date: 2006-01-25 12:44
this is in response to a post in the "aches pains and anemia" thread
I would say if you are getting a huge amount of pressure build up in the facial area, that you aren't supporting adequately with the abdominals.
I've seen some oboe players look like they are going to explode. They get quite red in the face, and their faces get contorted. Not only does this make the audience uncomfortable, it is dangerous, because it blocks oxygen getting to the brain.
If you truly think you are supporting well, consider releasing more air before you start playing. So, *do* take a nice full breath, but don't play on 100% capacity. (on the opposite end of the spectrum, I wouldn't take the approach that some oboists do, of playing on very little air, as this tends to force the tone.)
Check the reeds now. It should be possible to play without discomfort. If your reeds are too hard, you will have to really muscle up. This usually results in a clamping embouchure and a choked throat, because the abs give up after a while. If the reeds are too soft, it will feel like trying to pedal really fast on a bike with no resistance. In other words, it is impossible to keep the tone steady because the reed doesn't give any support.
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
