The Clarinet BBoard![The C4 standard](/clarinet/BBoard/images/C4.gif)
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-06-09 00:30
If one counts 1,2,3,4 (4/4 time) does the 1 get more emphasis than the others -- ONE, 2,3,4 TWO, 2,3,4 etc., etc.? I read about this and what I read seems to say so but I don't know how to "play" it. My teacher has tried to explain it but he is talking to the left side of my brain (or is it the right side -- anyway). He tells me, "YAN-kee-doo-dle WENT-to-town-a RIDE-ing-on-a........" or something like that. The first part (however you might describe it) is "accented". But how do you translate this to playing?
I hope this makes sense.............or am I missing an entire floor with this elevator?
This is not causing stress but I would feel a lot better if I could get this behind me.
Thanks.
~ jerry
Still in Clarinet Boot Camp
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-09 01:27
Yes the first beat does get a little more emphasis. There are exceptions of course but that's later down the road.
The emphasis is subtle. Tongue a little bit more distinctly and give it just a little bit more air. Also think the emphasis in your head (rather like Mr. Hill in "The Music Man"). At first, exaggerate the emphasis of tongue and air just to get a better feel for it.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-09 01:39
My teacher, a University professor, always says that in 4/4 Time .... Beats 1 & 3 generally receive more emphasis than Beats 2 & 4.
Best,
mw
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-06-09 04:09
Yes, but the beat 3 emphasis is less than that given to beat 1. Most of the "standard" patterns for directing 4/4 have the baton rise highest on beat 1 and less on 3, but still higher than on 2 and 4.
Dee is correct that it is subtle, and eventually is one of the elements in the intrepertation of the piece.
Dee, yours is the first reference to the "think system" I've seen on this board. I really do line that show! (Music Man)
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Author: William
Date: 2001-06-09 15:06
I believe that it is all in the breath support used to produce the note--the concept of "heavier accent"--and perhaps a very subtile lengthening of the note. This combination of breath and length will add emphasis to any note without necessarily having to play it louder than the rest. Listen to the great singers--Pavrotti, Sinatra--to hear how they do it. Just some thought that I hope help a bit. Good luck.
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-06-09 17:20
Heavier emphasis, yes, but not to the point of distraction. It only lets you know where you (and other players) are incomparison to other beats and will also let the listener know where you are also. Think of it as a little like American Indian drum beats -- ONE, two, three, four, ONE, two, etc. but not as heavy.
Have you ever noticed a drill sargent with troops marching? Count one is always heavier so that everyone will know where they are. In music, the same principle is there, only more subtle. Don't worry about putting so much emphasis on the first count -- it will come with maturity. You get too "stress out" with some of the lesser aspects of playing which will come easier later as you progress. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. A good clarinet player is not created over night.
Good Luck,
Bob Curtis
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-06-11 05:57
Every musician (instrumental or vocal) who performs jazz/ pop/ standards etc. should listen to Sinatra for his unparralled phrasing, timing and accents (and diction for the voice people.) Almost all of his stuff including the early recordings are on CDs now.
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