Author: MarkS
Date: 2022-08-12 19:14
Hi Jen,
Going smoothly over the break, either staccato or legato, is challenging. Although choice of equipment can make it easier or more difficult, my experience is that the root cause of this kind of issue is most likely one of air support. For me, choice of ligature has some effect on tone and projection, but not on much else. I also think it is nearly impossible to assess "quality" of ligature in a scientific way. For example, I play on synthetic reeds, and have tried using a plastic ligature (Luyben) as recommended by some on this Board, but a find that I get better results using a Silverstein.
A problem that initially seems to be one of equipment, may turn out to be mostly an issue of technque. When I bought an A-clarinet a few years ago, I immediately noticed a "grunting" sound when I articulated in the high clarion. For a long time I assumed this was a problem with the clarinet, since I had not noticed it when I played on my B-flat. I had the register tube changed, and the tone holes adjusted. That helped, but did not totally eliminate the issue. After considerable frustration, and even thinking about looking for another brand of A-clarinet, I realized that the root issue had to do with inadequate air support. I have pretty much resolved the issue, but when I practice articulation, I usually do that on the A-clarinet, since it is less forgiving and will make it obvious if I start to relapse. The air support issue was always there, but was mostly masked by the B-flat clarinet.
There is a Youtube channel that has many short videos that you might find interesting and useful--including quite a few about articulation and going over the break staccato or legato. It is called "Cally's Clarinet." Each video includes a short etude related to the topic. Also, Cally demonstrates each of them. Here are links to a few relevant videos:
"Articulation over the Break" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpZ_ff_373U
"Troubleshooting Notes that won't Speak" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wysRam6XOw
"Articulation Etude" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYSZ4StvN4o
Mark
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The Clarinet BBoard
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