The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: Which is the default: tonguing, or slurring?

Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2008-03-25 21:27

Not to inject anything discouraging here, but I've found that when I am having trouble with high-to-low slurs, the issue is often with my fingers and/or my air, rather than with my tongue or reed. I find that I have to make a conscious effort to keep the air going as I slur downward, and not slack off, because slacking off = reed stops vibrating.

I also find that in the larger intervals, my fingers sometimes don't always seat exactly right. I practice "thinking" the interval ahead of time, which somehow helps my fingers find the right place the first time -- just a little degree of extra-consciousness about what I am doing can make all the difference.

"Legato" tongue was something my teacher probably thought I would never get. But eventually, I did. As far as I am concerned, it means the same thing as saying that we needs must play "on" the air rather than *with* the air. The air is the constant; the articulations change, the fingers change, but the air you must always have with you!

Susan

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics