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Re: Very flat altissimo E

Author: nellsonic
Date: 2020-10-07 09:06

I'm not experienced with Albert System instruments, but on contemporary French system clarinets the high F being dodgy would lead me to not be at all surprised that the E right under it is very flat. The standard advice here in the US would be to be sure that your tongue is high enough in back. You mention the ee syllable, but there may still be room to raise the back of the tongue (the portion under the molars) higher to positive effect. Sometimes, once that is set, adjusting the position of the middle of the tongue can be helpful as well.

As a double reed player you may also need to focus on keeping the air moving steadily and more quickly than you are accustomed to. Blowing energetically through a small straw can help to give you the right idea.

Also a slightly harder reed might be useful, at least in getting this particular issue sorted.

The altissimo register is where one really learns to play the clarinet. It is natural for it to be finicky if one is out of shape or less experienced. Persistence and attentive patience are key.

Let us know how it goes!

Anders

Post Edited (2020-10-07 09:09)

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