 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joanna
Date: 2011-07-20 02:46
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone had a good fingering suggestion for the C7 in the Spohr Concerto No 1. It's a C Major arpeggio but I can't seem to find anything that responds well enough, or at all for that matter!
Thanks!
Joanna
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Author: 2E
Date: 2011-07-20 03:07
I normally do G as Th|xoo|xxo|Eb and then C as Th+Ab|xoo|xoo|Eb which seems to work ok for me, but there are a few other high C fingerings out there that are good too.
Hope this helps!
2E.
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2011-07-20 14:48
You can look here for a selection of fingerings:
http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/clarinet/cl_alt_4.html
I prefer the 1st one on the WFG list, but often don't need the Side G# to get it up to correct tuning or sound.
I think the use of the F#/C# key is a better choice the the right hand Ab/Eb to get the note up to correct pitch if a little flat. If you are playing a G (using the R.H. Ab/Eb key) before the C, you can use the above fingering, but use Left Hand F#/C#.
Tom Piercy
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-20 18:17
I concur with Tom--and I don't use the Side G#. I find it no less reliable than any of the other fingers for C7 in this case, as well as a fingering that tends to not play flat.
And I concur with 2E's fingering choice for the prior note's G6.
But my, Tom's, or 2E's opinion...it's all about what works for YOU Joanna.
Which brings me to my second, and I think more important point.
You claim none of this works for you...so I'm beginning to think we ought to be search just as much above the barrel for a culprit, as we are below the barrel for a fingering solution.
Here's a couple of things I have found...of course, your results may differ, as if even if we played on the same clarinet, would our embouchures be the same:
In my experience, barring the Legere Signature series synthetic reed, I have been unable to produce C7 on any other Legere. Maybe you might have the same problem. Rest assured though, as I've already questioned this in a prior thread, and plenty of players reported making C7 with a non-Signature Legere reed--the problem not only fails to be universal, but more aptly stated, is probably mine.
I have not had this issue with Forestone synthethics or the right piece of cane.
Next, at least in my word, not for a second to I claim to maintain the same, or even close to the same embouchure for this passage that begins with E3, despite all we teach about keeping embouchure as constant as we can.
For me--and maybe this is MY limitation, I am sucking up mouthpiece real estate big time before and if possible during this staccato phrase up into the stratosphere. In fact I suck up as much mouthpiece as 1 micron less than what would make me squeak playing the opening E3.
No way no how can I hit a C7 with the same basic embouchure I'd use from E3 to G6, even if I turn my embouchure into a vice grip. I'm working with a reed on the heavier side for this piece, again sucking up, (and tightening up) on mouthpiece real estate.
For those that can do this sans embouchure changes--please--post a youtube video on how you do this--as I'd like to learn how to improve what might be my shortcomings.
Next, for those into mind over matter, and I know this sounds weird, but I am thinking high in my mind as I am about to play this C7. I've got those eyes closed, eyeballs pointed as close to the top of my head as possible, and I'm poised to make a noise that if I tried on, say, for sheer example, E5, would no doubt render a squeak.
Finally, Joanna, I leave you to try with some inspiration.
Take a listen to Mate Bekavac's virtuosic and stratospheric playing, as he gets a clarinet to literally sound like violin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FL8PGUfHQs
(This is probably on Mr. Blumberg's great thread on clarinet youtube videos).
Joanna---when Mate plays this, dogs in other zip codes perk up their ears!
Best wishes in clarineting...
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-20 18:37
Oh--1 more video in case you haven't seen it--also probably in Dave Blumberg's thread....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjSHuvcs0a4
The brilliant Curzio Petraglio lifts his clarinet at around 3:30 to make that C7 you talk about.
I wonder if the lifting of his clarinet is more than just emotional, in that maybe it causes subtle changes in his embouchure that facilitate his hitting that C7, and doing so in key.
: - )
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Author: Joanna
Date: 2011-07-20 18:56
Thanks for the advice everyone.
I actually try to refrain from using synthetic reeds, I prefer to work with regular reeds as I'm pretty handy with the reed-knife. Although I do own a Legere Signature for those bad days.
I think that I'm tightening my jaw way too much which is stopping the reed from vibrating. But, then again, I don't play C7 on a regular basis, so that might be the issue! I'll try out your suggestions...
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-07-20 20:57
I have a few fingerings on my fingering chart on my website, check them out, they work for me maybe they will work for you too. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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