 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-10-01 23:13
I've had the interesting opportunity this weekend to compare two very different 1950s Leblanc clarinets. One is a "Symphonie" (#4971) and the other is a "Dynamique" (#4325) just back from Vytas Krass' shop.
My best judgement says that it is not the best idea to compare two clarinets (or mouthpieces) side-by-side. That sets up a "win/lose" environment, and one piece of equipment always "loses." Better to test something over a period of time, by itself. But I couldn't resist the temptation to compare these two instruments, which are basically from the same era, which are physically identical, and which represent Leblanc's two polarities of design at that time.
I had complained that my "Symphonie" had a small, sort of prissy, almost "squawkish" tone quality (while having many other very positive traits). It was no surprise for me when I played the Dynamique and discovered the fuller, much more mellow sound. I instantly preferred it over the Symphonie. My very limited understanding of these two old models is that the Symphonie was the smaller bore design, and the Dynamique the larger. I have no more specific knowledge about these clarinets beyond this generality.
Pleased as I am with the Dynamique, as the weekend passed I found my preference regarding these two clarinets switching. Despite a more modest tone, the Symphonie seemed to "center" on the individual notes, to be a more refined tool, like the difference between a sharp lead pencil and a crayon or pastel. Its properties were more intimate, but also more satisfying artistically.
Of course, in the end we always play the best we can, capitalizing on an individual clarinet's outstanding qualities and compensating for its shortcomings. In the long run, it is the performer and not the equipment. But I did find this comparison especially interesting. Both clarinets are fabulous - keepers!
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2006-10-02 04:00
I too have owned a Symphonie and a Dynamique and compaired them side by side with my music teacher. The Symphonie is now gone, neither of us liked it. Now maybe it was just a substandard horn, even Leblanc makes one every now and then. The Dynamique is a great horn, likely even better then the LL that I play every day.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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