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Re: Intonation/attack

Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-04-16 04:13

This is a bugbear of oboists everywhere, being able to control these notes.

I personally use this as one of my methods of testing my reeds - if it doesn't slur easily down to these notes I still have work to do. I play short scrape and couldn't tell you what adjustments you could make to help this, but I know that a reed that is slightly too hard can prevent this jump from happening nicely, in addition to other factors.

From a playing perspective, consider where on the oboe the first tone hole is open for these notes - quite a way down! That's a long way for the air stream to travel. It is sometimes instinctive for us to 'clamp down' when a sound does not work for us, but this is counter productive.

Consider a feeling of dropping the jaw whilst still maintaining the embouchure, as though you are yawning with your lips closed. This will ensure that as much of your air stream is travelling through the reed as possible at this time.

Experiment with just how softly you can play these notes individually. The softer you can play them tongued, the easier it is going to be to slur to them.

One exercise to practice could be a slurred C major scale (or other scale going down to these notes) with the C placed between each scale degree. e.g. D-C, E-C, F-C, G-C, A-C, etc. The goal is to maintain the same sound and dynamic on the low note with each increasing jump.

I hope that helps some, and hopefully someone can add in some reed tips.

Rachel

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