 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Fred R
Date: 2000-12-14 20:49
I have been reading posts concerning the altissimo register, and it seems most deal with the ability to reach the notes. How do you take the next step and get a nice round tone up there. I can play up to the Bb securely and pretty much in tune, but would like a better tone. The register sounds fine in fast technical passages but is lacking when playing something slow and lyrical like the Ireland Sonata or when executing large intervals from or to that register. I do support the notes and although I increase my jaw pressure I am careful not to pinch. I play a Leblanc L300 with a Vand B45 mp and Mitchell Laurie 41/2 reeds.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Meri
Date: 2000-12-14 23:13
I like to think about keeping my jaw 'open' and relaxed when playing in the altissimo, found that it really makes my sound consistent across registers when doing that.
Also making sure my air speed is fast enough to get a good sound up there.
Meri
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim L.
Date: 2000-12-15 00:23
When playing the lower clarion and chlameau register notes, maintain pressure on the reed. When playing the upper altissimo register, lower the jaw and decrease volume. Keep experimenting with jaw pressure until you get a pleasing sound.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-12-15 14:55
Fred -
Here's an exercise I've recommended several times before, taught to me by the great teacher Keith Stein.
Play low E at a big forte -- full but not forced. Gradually dimuendo, listening for the overtone B. When you get to ppp, the B should sound as loud as the E to you. It helps to stand facing into the corner of the room.
Do the same with low F, listening for C. Work your way up as far as you can -- at least to low C.
Then start on low E again. Don't decrescendo at first. Gradually press the register key, so that you don't know exactly when you will jump up to the clarion B. Concentrate on keeping the warmth and roundness of the low A in your sound. Decrescendo to ppp, maintaining good quality.
Work your way up to low A. When you get there, maintain the volume on clarion E and gradually roll your left index finger down, once again so you don't know exactly when you'll jump up to the altissimo C#. As before, work to keep the warmth and roundness of the low A.
Gradually dimuendo to piano, maintaining the nice tone quality.
Repeat the exercise on Bb/F/D, B/F#/Eb, and so on.
You will find that the sound is rather "covered." Once you are comfortable with the exercise, you can start to bring out the natural brilliance of the altissimo while maintaining a good tone quality.
I do this exercise often, even after 45 years of playing. You need to check from time to time and remind yourself of what to listen for.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
