 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2005-03-29 19:36
I've been away for a long time from both this board and my clarinet.
But as I return, I wonder how to get rid of the "edge" in the sound of the altissimo. I play a R13 with an M13 mouthpiece V12 4 reeds. I've tried different reeds like the Vandoren Traditionals and Rigotti gold.
And yet the notes above high C all seem to have an "edge" or a degree of shrillness. I think I would be completely satisfied with the tone of my altissimo were it not for hearing Sabine Meyer play in concert. Her altissimo sounded flute-like, light, but not airy, without a hint of shrillness.
Any suggestions?
Take care,
Ron Jr.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 17:44)
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Author: Robert Moody
Date: 2005-03-29 20:36
I have the secret you are looking for.
I'd tell ya but I'd have to kill ya. 
Actually...it comes back to my favorite topic...voicing. And while getting rid of the shrillness of the altissimo requires removing tension and a vise-grip style embouchure, it is voicing that allows that to happen while keeping the pitch.
But like I said...
Robert Moody
http://www.musix4me.com
Free Clarinet Lessons and Digital Library!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-29 21:28
One exercise that helped me a lot was to try to hit all the registers, on all the notes, without using any register keys (using just your lower lip placement and by trying to bring out the harmonic). So play a chalemeau D, then lip it up to an A. Then play an A (with the register key), and lip it up to an F# (sort of . . . . will be out of tune, but just try to play the harmonic above it).
After that, I found that airflow was the biggest thing holding me back. So now when I practice, I go a few minutes trying to play those altissimo notes at the softest pianissimo I can (which I can literally hear my air going through the clarinet over the note). I start it out as just air, and gradually let the note sound, coming in as though from nowhere (much like the first note of the Weber Concertino is supposed to enter) Most of the time it comes in like it should.
I find now that after doing these things for a while, I have much more control over their sound. And while I'm no pro, it might be worth a shot to try this out.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-03-30 00:13
No crisis. If you didn't have an edgy upper register when IN your best shape (chop-wise) you could be just OUT of shape from too much time away, and/or can't [for the time being] physically support or produce as fast an air stream --- you're likely also overcompensating for lost strength and pinching, not too mention going way sharp in the process.
Have patience and keep working to re-build your embouchure to where you're confident you left off. If the edginess persists I would consider starting basic breathing exercises (blowing up a balloon at 80=1/4 in 4 and 8-bar phrases) or rhythmic isometric sessions to strengthen your abdominals. Flexibility exercises such as blowing an octave to octave and 1/3 on your mpc can work the muscles and revitalize them effectively and rapidly. If necessary, shorten your practice sessions down to 15 minutes 3 to 4 times daily resting at least an hour in between sittings. You ideally lengthen your play time as you get stronger.
Also, if you literally pulled the horn out of the closet and playing on the same box 'o cane (or left on mpc) toss 'em all out and buy new. And, before considering unnecessary equipment changes you should at least, duplicate your physical and spiritual condition at the time you quit. v/r Ken
Post Edited (2005-03-30 22:11)
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