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Re: Steve Williamson Mozart Concerto at Santa Barbara

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-10-23 08:47

Not normal at all to switch reeds, but I know why he did.

Let's look at the weather we are having. The humidity levels are only at 10 percent, even by the ocean, because of the Santa Ana winds are blowing out to sea, if the ocean air was blowing into the town of Santa Barbara the humidity would jump to 60 percent. A stinky day for reeds. I live 45 minutes from the town and it was close to 100 degrees today. Dry heat. Yuk. The worst conditions for reeds. Even the horns play differently. He plays on Selmers. Anyway, 2 days ago the humidity was much higher and it was 75 degrees out. So when this Santa Ana wind condition pops in reeds just die instantly. Your saving grace is using older reeds that have been broken in for about a month. I think poor Steve got stuck in this unexpected climate change. He surely isn't the first. Another option is having your reeds in water for about 10 minutes, but they can't be new reeds. They have to be about 2 weeks old or so and well played on. Seems like he had everything under control by switching reeds around. It can be frustrating to do this on stage performing such a wicked hard and demanding piece. It's 30 minutes of stress with difficult reeds and the second movement is so hard. You need a really great reed for the second movement.

A really nice man. Yes he has a wonderful sound. Glad you got to hear one of the very best players in the country. I love the town and would like to retire there. It's full of artists. In the summer months you have the Academy of the West for the top college players.

I'm glad you went! John Yeh's parents live in Los Angeles and I bet they were at the concert too! I think they are both doctors. A happy reunion for John.

Nice post!

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

Post Edited (2017-10-23 08:50)

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