 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-10-14 16:23
What are the basic tendencies of the clarinet and other woodwinds (including saxophone) when playing crescendos and decrescendos? Are there certain notes or registers that are more prone to these tendencies.? Any thoughts as to why these seemingly similar instruments have different tendencies?
I am asking for practical reasons. One has to play various notes in chords that are loud and soft and also we have to play unison and octave lines at different dynamics? I understand that these tendencies will be corrected by skilled performers.
Regarding the tendencies I am also interested at what dynamic level the tendency takes effect and how much
I would also like imput on playing various parts of a chord. eg. If you are the 3rd of a major chord. 3rd of a minor chord, any other suggestions for other parts of a chord.
Freelance woodwind performer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-10-14 20:34
The clarinet should not go flat when playing louder or go sharp when playing softer; however, it oftentimes does because players loosen up the embouchure to play louder and tense it up to play softer. It should be the opposite in order to compensate for these natural tendencies of clarinet players. To maintain tone quality at pp just keep as fast as air and as supported of air as possible.
As for parts of a chord, one band clinician told me one time that the 3rd (at least of a major chord) should be played slightly flat and that the 5th should be slightly sharp. I have no idea why this is, though. He also told us that when we're playing ascending leaps, we should really think of "reaching up," and when we play descending leaps, we should think of not going down too much. I hope that all made at least a speck of sense.
-Tyler
Post Edited (2005-10-14 21:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Liquorice
Date: 2005-10-15 00:34
"I hope that all made at least a speck of sense"
Not much I'm afraid...
The clarinet DOES go sharp when played quietly and flat when played loudly. To avoid that we have to make a HUGE effort as players. Check your own tuning tendencies with a tuner in different dynamics- that's the only way you can get an answer that will be of any use to you.
In Pythagorian tuning, the 3rd in a major chord should be about 14 cents flatter than equal temperament. The 3rd in a minor chord almost as much higher. The 5th needs to be about 2 cents sharper than equal temperament. If you experiment with high pitched notes and intervals above/below them, and listen for the difference tones, you will discover how much higher or lower you need to play intervals for just intonation. This has to do with harmonics/overtones of each note. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out one fo the many websites on the topic, eg. http://www.justintonation.net/
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-10-15 02:32
Maybe we should all be doing some more breathing exercises..........
I'm starting tonight.
-Tyler
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-10-15 19:49
Playing a lot of harmony on bass/alto clarinets, I believe "its become second nature to me" to listen to all of the chord's players and tune it up as best I can my part, using embouchure "flexibility" more than actual tuning adjustment. Similar concept for dynamic level. Just PM thots. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
