 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-03-01 21:02
Recently I have been playing some klezmer in a bar on an E13, and I discovered that my clarinet sounded so loud(even when playing medium dynamics) that it almost brought down the bar!
I'd like to ask do you fellas try to play softer when practising? If so, how to do it?
Josh
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-03-01 17:02
"you have to make great sound in the soft.. ..everyone can sound good playing loud.. even Woody Allen"
Stanley Drucker
Post Edited (2014-03-01 17:09)
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2014-03-01 18:03
Of course, you can practice long tones, with attention to voicing the sound smoothly in your oral cavity, and supporting the air column gently from the diaphragm. Over time, this will give you more control in the softer dynamic range.
Softer can refer not only to dynamic or decibel level but also to the timbre of the sound. Some mouthpieces tend toward a rounder, softer sound, and others toward a more strident, aggressive sound. For example, the Vandoren B45 is both louder and less soft-timbered than the Vandoren M15 (hard rubber) or the new Pomerico "Artista" "Soul" (crystal glass) model. These two not only have closer tip openings; they also have differences in tip and side rail measurements that give them a softer tonal quality.
If you can try out different mouthpieces in a local music store or clarinet studio--with your friends listening--you should be able to find several mouthpieces, including the two I mentioned, that tone your output down to acceptable decibel levels.
If you happen to already be playing a Vandoren M15 or a Pomerico Artista Soul model and are still too loud, then you may have to just hypnotize yourself into playing softer. Think, "Gotta keep it down; they're taking final exams next door."
Post Edited (2014-03-02 05:18)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-03-01 23:32
You play with the same intensity of "engaged core," and as much focus (air speed must remain FAST) as you do playing louder, there is just less AMOUNT of air coming out. So you need as many breaths (just have to blow out more reserve before taking in new air) and you'll feel just as exhausted in the same amount of time. You should be able to play at a scary whisper like this. I practice in an apartment building all day long this way (well, I try to not to elicit pounding from the downstairs' ceiling).
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2014-03-01 18:36
HANGARDUDE wrote:
> Recently I have been playing some klezmer in a bar on an E13,
> and I discovered that my clarinet sounded so loud(even when
> playing medium dynamics) that it almost brought down the bar!
Just for the sake of clarity, what does "it almost brought down the bar" mean. More to the point, for whom are you too loud? Is this a self-assessment or is someone else complaining? If someone is complaining, is it a member (or members) of your ensemble or a listener (or listeners)?
Karl
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-03-02 08:30
I for one, love the feeling of playing softly with great support. It gives me a wonderful feeling of control and of playing beyond my skill.
Bruno>
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-03-02 10:34
Karl, it was a bunch of people complaining, one of our instuctors said it was too big of a sound, then when I was practising outside the bar, someone from the floor above complained. It's been one of those days...
Josh
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Author: ruben
Date: 2014-03-02 16:45
I agree with the suggestion of playing softly with great support; there is no better advice. Double-lip embouchure makes for less raucous playing. Without wishing to be dogmatic, I think it's the only way to go.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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