Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-08-03 17:11
There is currently a discussion on the IDRS list about finding "easy" but good-sounding reeds for a young beginner. This thread brings up a point which has caused endless confusion for me -- so I thought I would post my query here, as well.
I have read that it essentially requires very little air to play the oboe -- much less than, say, the clarinet (my first instrument). In fact, the most common criticism of my playing that I have encountered is that I "blow too aggressively".
So, I have learned now to adjust my (pro quality) reeds down to the point where what seems to me like almost no air at all will get them going and allow me to continue playing using what I experience as a very light breath. When I listen to myself on a good-quality recording, the resultant tone still seems very adequately full, expressive, not hooty -- and it is very easy to do.
But what I don't understand is why virtually every reed I buy -- and I KNOW these are good reeds -- seems before adjustment to require a great deal more air than is necessary to produce the optimal sound.
I don't think that I have a problem with too little breath being available, given my background as a clarinetist and the typical comment given me that I am overblowing. Yet, in order to make the reeds as found "go", it seems to me I MUST overblow.
What am I missing here?
Susan
Susan
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