The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-12-08 15:53
I was recently taught that dynamics are solely the function of upper lip pressure and slight clarinet angle adjustments (keeping exact same air speed and pressure, etc.). I find myself biting when trying to play quieter by only adjust leverage and upper lip pressure. Any thoughts/comments?
-Tyler
Post Edited (2005-12-08 16:03)
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-12-08 16:38
Sounds like BS --unless there is some esoteric explanation of how this could be true.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-12-08 16:45
I never thought BS made a sound, maybe it's all the flies buzzing round.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-12-08 18:32
There may some truth in Tyler's description. Playing bass cl, it seems to me I must always "fit" my volume to an appropriate level for the music AND the other players, which I believe I do by air pressure/volume and lip modifications, without much thot !. Comments? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-12-08 19:20
The explanation was this: my tone was better at forte dynamics, so there should be as little embouchure and air change as possible when playing softer. Since volume is determined by amplitude of sound waves, the amplitude of vibration of the reed should be made smaller by decreasing the angle of the instrument (for more leverage) and using more upper lip pressure. It actually seems to work OK; it is just very difficult to keep embouchure pressure and biting separate. I found this approach very interesting. Further comments are welcomed.
-Tyler
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-12-08 19:38
This sounds a little strange to me. Does this mean that if my tone is better at pianissimo levels that I should play forte by increasing the angle of the instrument?
I have a hard time thinking that how hard you blow isn't the major factor in volume control.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2005-12-08 19:38
Er...that would mean that you get a louder tone with exactly the same amount of air? Consequently, with a real cool embouchure you could blow away the brass section over there?
I can see that softer tones require stronger lip pressure. But that has to be in a relation with the air pressure, else you simply clog the mpc window. Not to mention the red noggin you get.
--
Ben
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-12-08 19:59
What I've always thought is that the volume of air should change depending on dynamics (small volume for p, larger volume for f) but the air pressure (we've had tons of threads on this specifically recently) should remain constant. Perhaps this idea paired with a small amount of lip pressure adjustments is just the right combo. Who knows. I probably just need to use my treadmill this winter to make up for the lack of outdoor running; that helps my air support greatly.
-Tyler
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