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: Why crow?

Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2009-11-07 17:33

On short scrape reeds though, it is often preferred that the reed crows B, both on the thread and normal position. I have also read some books that says C, but that is really only because of embouchure differences, in my opinion. A more relaxed embouchure of course requires a higher pitch and smaller opening as the pitch will fall as a result of the looseness in the the lips. On the contrary, an embouchure that has more cover and strength requires a 'flatter reed and bigger opening so in normal position the reed becomes sharper because of the pressure that causes a smaller opening.

Both methods exists in the long scrape and short scrape, e.g. Philadelphia vs Cleveland? German vs French vs Dutch?

There is of course pros and cons to both methods...

The higher pitch crow method with smaller opening means the utmost ease can be achieved in playing. If it is made to not alter in pitch in changing air pressure, it will be the most satisfactory. My experience is, this can hardly be achieved consistently, which to me explains why many American style students play with little contrast in dynamics and tone color, and are usually on the softer side, because the pitch will then be sacrificed if they tried to do too much. Quality of reed plays an immense role here because the embouchure is not supposed to work hard.

The opposite way, using a lower pitch crow and bigger opening, means that one starts off with a more powerful base capable of more possibilities. For example, with such a reed the pitch doesnt go sharp in loud dynamics because of the amout of air pressure it can take. On the contrary, the softer dynamics require a lot of lip work as the a smaller opening with consistent air pressure is required. When the reed is well made and the method correct, there are an immense amount of tools available as pitch is not sacrificed when playing in different dynamics or tone colors. The down side? There is a lot of work involved in the embouchure and mouth cavity, and certainly not everyone can or is meant to do it this way, because it is straining and when done incorrectly can even hurt, and to some even long term pain.

There is certainly a balance between the two, at least in my own limited opinion. One cannot sacrifice pitch for musical possibilities but one should not also sacrifice musical possibilities for ease. At the end of the day it is largely determined by one's personal preferences, one's definition of what is beautiful oboe playing, so to say.

Howard

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics