Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-08-01 03:17
Bob...always enjoy reading your thoughts.
I too, when I was younger, sought the ever elusive 'dark' clarinet sound. I became infatuated with dark sounds in college when I heard German high school kids play with the most amazing tubby quality. They are were equally mesmerized by our "American" sound.
I've always suspected American players have always feared sounding too French. We've all heard a true bright, thin French sound. At times it's shrill and piercing, but perhaps pure.
The US seems to have blended these two concepts to form its own identity.
As an adult, I just want to be heard over hoards of screaming trumpets, bright flutes, and omnipresent oboes. It shouldn't take that much effort to have a warm sound, distinct from the other woodwinds, and still project a presence over any ensemble. The right equipment can certainly help get a player there. It has helped me. I can hear what a Rod Rubber mouthpiece has done for my sound...adding overtones. But ultimately, we're going to just sound like ourselves.
But I also know a $10K clarinet with a $1300 ligature ain't going to make that much difference. Exactly how different would Drucker, Morales, Manasse, Bliss sound on a plastic $100 horn? Everyone has to find their own truths.
~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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