 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ruben
Date: 2017-04-25 13:04
This morning, on the national French Classical music radio station (France Musique), I heard an interview with Julien Hervé, principal clarinetist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic. He stated that he felt lucky to play the clarinet. As it is, in his words, a relatively easy instrument, you can focus basically on expression when playing it. I would draw a parallel between the clarinet and the English language. It is easy to learn the basics of the English language and to muddle through, but complete mastery of it is very hard.
Your thoughts on how "easy' the clarinet is?
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2017-04-25 14:23
If the full marks are 100, maybe it is easier for clarinet players to get 60 than other woodwind and string instruments.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2017-04-25 17:14
I never have thought that the clarinet is an "easy" instrument. There are a significant number of challenges. Whenever I am asked this question I relate that I believe that every instrument has challenges, some things that might be easy on one are hard on another and vice versa. ANY instrument is hard to play at a very high level. I sometimes wonder- if it is so easy, why is it that I hear so much bad playing? ;-)
Then again, after all of these years, maybe I have been doing it all wrong.
Post Edited (2017-04-25 19:58)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-04-25 17:22
Clarinets are perhaps the only woodwind instruments that have full volume control over their entire range instead of being stronger or weaker in one or part of one register.
But they do have the annoying fact that the throat notes are right within the treble stave when these notes are in the middle to upper lower register on flutes, oboes and saxes, but do have a larger upper register compared to flutes, oboes and saxes as it starts on the midline B when the others start on D or C# above.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: RKing
Date: 2017-04-25 17:50
I first started on the cornet at age 10 and it was a very difficult instrument for me to learn. When I switched to the clarinet at age 12, realized how much easier it was for me to play. Now, 58 years later, I still enjoy playing the clarinet (and my saxophones).
I also had instruction in piano, violin, and viola before I abandoned my music major in college for a career in television. I often remember what some of my wonderful teachers would say: "Many musical instruments are easy to play, but they can be very difficult to master and play well."
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-04-25 19:37
The term "easy" is only useful as a comparative. "Easy"...as compared to what?
Birds make flying look easy...but I've found it quite difficult.
;^)>>>
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-04-25 19:55
I only chose to do all my grades on clarinet as the syllabus repertoire was specific for it instead of mostly rehashed Baroque flute sonatas and other transcriptions of piano pieces which was the sax syllabus back in the day.
Plus it's a useful instrument for doubling as a sax player and also gives me a chance of doing orchestral playing from time to time.
There are some aspects of it that are 'easy', but with any instrument it does take dedication and determination to become competent. It could be classed as one of the easier instruments, but it's not all that straightforward.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2017-04-25 22:40
From easy to difficult I have always considered - Recorder - Flute - Saxophone - Clarinet - Oboe - Bassoon. God knows where bagpipes come in.
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-04-26 00:11
Come to think of it...I have heard a few doublers (clarinet as the 2nd/3rd/4th instrument) refer to the clarinet as "The Misery Stick"
;^)>>>
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-04-26 01:03
I've always found sax more of a blow and go type of instrument. Articulations are just about the only thing challenging (for me).
Clarinet is more like Texas Hold'em. Learn in a few minutes (years?)...a life time to master.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2017-04-26 05:04
In addition to the wealth of interpretation that words like "easy," "instrument," and "play," connote, as well covered by posters above
(e.g. "easy" relative to what, is the gazoo and "instrument," and at what level of ability does one "play" the instrument)
take with a grain of salt the ease of play reported by someone virtuosic at it, or the difficulty of play reported by someone abysmal at it.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-04-26 06:07
My aural theory professor told us that piano is the easiest...because, "It's just like a typewriter - you punch a key and out comes the expected result." (Of course, she immediately swore that she'd deny ever making such a statement, and she advised the piano students against saying any such thing to the piano instructor.)
;^)>>>
Fuzzy
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Author: ned
Date: 2017-04-26 06:56
''...God knows where bagpipes come in...''
At about the level or recorder, I'd say...but don't mention my comment to a piper, will yuh?
I was in a pipe band for a year or so and it was good fun, despite being in uniform at the time.
Then again, to play the recorder properly requires a decent amount of skill, particularly with acquiring a sensitive embouchure.
Bagpipes do not require an embouchure, as such, but they do require the player to learn to understand the piobaireachd and not just how to sound the notes - anyone can do that. It's a stirring feeling to be in the middle of a pipe band thundering down a road.
Post Edited (2017-04-26 06:57)
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2017-04-26 16:08
As someone who plays 27 instruments... Most to a very high level. I would say clarinet is one of the harder instruments. Particularly because of the challenges of the embouchure...
Definitely harder than oboe, which is often reported as the hardest..
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-04-26 17:07
For me the sax fit me very well.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-04-26 17:23
Is it more beneficial for left-handed players to play clarinet?
I'm right-handed and my left hand is pretty slow by comparison, so wondering if the improved dexterity (or the left-handed equivalent) of the left hand is a bonus for left-handed players.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2017-04-26 17:44
The most technically proficient and dazzling clarinet player I've ever worked with is a lefty. I'm not, but made it a point to work my left hand more than my right, and it's paid dividends over the years. I do think being left handed is an advantage for a clarinetist.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2017-04-27 04:46
I agree with my buddy Julien - the Clarinet is not very hard to play.
However, there is a lot of really hard Music for that pretty easy to play instrument!!
I picked it up like a duck to water right from the start. And have had students do similarly.
Started and played for 3 months the Trombone and man did I suck badly at it.
So possibly my talent was all for Clarinet (Piano also), and zero for Brass.........
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: ruben
Date: 2017-04-27 13:09
Dear David,
As you know Julien-I don't-it might be interesting to call his attention to this thread and get his thoughts on the matter. He might say I misconstrued his statement. I have also heard Paul Meyer say that the clarinet is a very easy instrument and doesn't require much practice. Easy for him, maybe! He certainly makes it sound easy. I'm not sure making it sound easy is always to be desired. It can make one's playing sound too facile.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Josje
Date: 2017-04-27 13:38
I think learning to play an instrument on a high level is difficult on any instrument. How long it takes before you can play your first decent sounding tune differs. My only other experience with musical instruments is with recorder, wich is considered easy, and to some people isn't even a real instrument (more like a childrens toy). It may be true in the sense that you can play your first tune within minutes or hours but I don't think for instance something like this is easy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9CWDId0iHY (I don't think many people can do that , I can't anyway)
I think every instrument has it's difficulties when your learning to 'technically' master it. For instance I am currently learning the scales up to 3 flats and sharps, but when I try to speed up (automise) my brain keeps protesting agains the lack of logic due to the register key (not over the octave). So I start making mistakes.
With recorder many people in the beginning have difficulty with blowing the right speed, blowing just a little to fast of to slow makes that the note doesn't come out as the note you wanted to play, especially on the highest an lowest notes.
Post Edited (2017-04-27 13:50)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-28 18:51
Easier to play than a Concert Ukulele ... bought one and gave up after a month ... my fat little short fingers would not contort to play the crazy thing. Gave it to my son and he immediately starting jamming ... he is also a horn player so maybe the clarinet would not be a challenge either ...
Tom
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2017-04-28 19:17
As a lefty, I'd think it helps when operating keys with the left hand, which is more often than keys with the right hand. It doesn't help when a page of music must be turned quickly.
As a long time but not serious player of sax (first instrument) and clarinet (2nd), I think the sax (pads to cover holes) is easier to learn to play at a useful level; but the extra keys on a clarinet (where either right or left hand can be used) makes the clarinet easier to play difficult passages.
My experience with bagpipes is limited to hearing them at funerals and Memorial Day performances. The difficult thing about a bagpipe is the effect on one's hearing when it is played at high volume (which seems to be most of the time).
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-04-28 20:53
What I like best about clarinets (and saxes) are the side and trill keys which offer all manner of trick fingerings, whereas oboes and flutes are a bit stingy in that respect.
While any instrument can be easy to play notes on and anyone can play notes, playing music is a different matter. As well as playing what's written, music is also about playing what's not written.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2017-04-29 09:19
When I start to think that playing the Clarinet is difficult I once again refer to Dr Downing's 'Playihg the Clarinet is Easy' by Peter J Moore. Then all is well once again
Skyfacer
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2017-04-30 15:03
Tooting is easy but not very many players develop that desirable, chocolate tone quality that most people associate with the clarinet.
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Author: ned
Date: 2017-05-05 07:03
GeorgeL wrote: ''...The difficult thing about a bagpipe is the effect on one's hearing when it is played at high volume (which seems to be most of the time)...''
Bagpipes have no volume control. One simply fills a bag with air and that air is fed to the chanter, which has a double reed, which makes for a piercing sound.
It's not for everyone seemingly.
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Author: jrain54
Date: 2017-05-06 07:28
I could argue the piano is an easy instrument to play, for I can play hot cross buns perfectly well.
I don't think instruments should be judged on their 'easiness' to play, but rather their 'mastery'.
Jess
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2017-05-06 09:07
There's no such thing as an easy instrument.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2017-05-07 10:05
Any six-month old baby can play the piano (i.e. get it to make a pleasant sound).
Saxophones generally don't squeak. (squack a little maybe)
You have to be a pretty good flute player before anybody can hear you well enough to complain (except perhaps overblowing high notes with LOTS of air)
Clarinet is hard, because it's easy to play loudly and badly, and nobody can ignore it.
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2017-05-08 16:14
well i play the piano.. i would say it is a 'high practise' instrument, re how much time it takes.. and coordination is complicated...
Not that I notice it anymore... lol
there is just something about the embouchure of the clarinet that is challenging...
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