Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2020-02-24 07:29
To me, a focused sound is a narrow tone with great density.
Now, how to achieve it...
After reading all of the above, I’m rather surprised that no one has mentioned anything about reeds, mouthpieces, clarinets (specifically bore dimensions) or barrels.
I realize that I’m a non-playing enthusiast, however, I do read a lot and enjoy doing research on various topics. So my opinions may not even be worth 2 cents or 2 euros.
First, let me talk about clarinet bore size. Can you get as focused a sound on a 0.590 diameter clarinet as easily as on a 0.575? I honestly don’t think so. A month or two ago, I tried out a very closed mpc on my 0.575 Vito 7242 Classic clarinet and I was able to produce a very compact, dense, and to my ears, a very focused sound. Even though the tone hole sizes of a 0.590 are incrementally larger, I don’t think I would be able to achieve the same dense, focused tonal sound on a 0.590 as on a 0.575. So, IMHO, bore size which determines tone hole sizes affects the tone focus.
Second, let’s look at mouthpieces. Does anyone really believe they can achieve a clear, radiant, dense, focused sound with a mpc that has a wide “A” frame throat design? Again, I don’t think so, but, I could be wrong. The same goes for a slightly wider “H” frame throat design. I have read many times that just slightly increasing the “H” frame dimensional width broadens the tone sound output which results in a less dense (even slightly airy) tonal output.
As many of you probably already know, Selmer has introduced their Focus and Concept mouthpieces which, according to their ads, “has a new throat design to bring greater focus to the air flow and allowing greater density of sound for the player.” https://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/instruments/accessories/henri-selmer-paris-mouthpiece (Scroll down to the Bb Concept clarinet mouthpiece.)
Paul Aviles mentioned “resonance”. Again, as many of you may already know, Brad Behn designs his mouthpieces with an emphasis on “Maximal Resonance – Minimal Effort”. https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com
Now, let have a look at reeds. According to Legere, the construction of their Signature series offers a more focused sound. https://www.legere.com/products/clarinet-reeds/ Because the European series is more flexible and therefore not as stiff as the Signature, no mention of a more focused sound is listed.
Lastly, how about barrels? According to this ad for Buffet Moenning barrels, “the unique hourglass shaped bore of the Moennig clarinet barrel allows for improved tonal focus...” https://www.musiciansfriend.com/woodwinds/buffet-crampon-moennig-clarinet-barrels/468479000940000
So, yes, correct embouchure, tongue position, and proper air support are important, however, I believe there are other things which can certainly help to achieve a focused sound.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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