 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2023-03-03 09:29
It seems some people view the constant stream of new clarinet models from the major manufacturers as actual continual technological advancements that result in improved performance. Perhaps people with a better ear (and perhaps memory) than I can provide some insight on this topic.
Can the generalization be made that the very best of clarinetists today are superior to the very best clarinetists of say 40 years ago? This would suggest that, indeed, new models of clarinet result in better performance. Certainly, over that time period more "advanced" techniques - double tonguing, circular breathing, multiphonics - have become part of basic technique for top players, so for this discussion let's limit our evaluation to performance of traditional standard repertoire. But I suppose a corollary question would then be, is the performance of these extended techniques dependent on the instrument being played? Would a player today, who is fluent in these techniques performing on a Buffet Tosca have difficulty performing those same techniques on a 1970's era R13?
My personal experience over my 50+ years of listening to clarinet performances, is that the artistry of the individual clarinetist is what makes for a beautiful performance, far outweighing anything technological advances in instrument design can offer. This is not to imply that there is not a value to having more options to choose from and certainly having a variety of clarinet tonal concepts, for me, makes for more enjoyable listening.
Considering the relationship of cost to quality is an exponential function, I find it difficult to believe paying that extra $4,000.00-5,000.00 for a Tosca over an R13 moves you that much further up the quality scale. For some people it may be a big enough change to make it worthwhile and I have no problem with that. For me, spending an extra few hundred dollars to have a fine tech set up an instrument properly yields a much bigger return.
So, make your case that I am wrong and it is just my tin ear that keeps me from recognizing that a performance by a top tier player in 2023, on a Tosca, is superior to a top tier 1970's performance on an R13.
John
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2023-03-03 12:21
Let’s take it further and include the players from the late 19thC/early 20thC that used early recording techniques and compare.
I agree that it’s the player foremost but having an instrument that makes it “easier” for the player is important.
Professional performers always played on what was considered best in their day and what felt comfortable for expression and music making. “Advance” techniques are not confined to the latter part of the 20thC. Multiple articulation has been employed most likely since the instrument was invented. It’s discussed by Quantz in relation to the flute in the 1750s. There’s no reason to believe that clarinet players in the 18thC didn’t know about multiple tonguing. And quite possibly the same about circular breathing.
At the end of the day it’s all relative. Professional players use the best instrument of the day and the best instrument for them.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-03-03 14:38
I feel it is more a matter of there being more instruments that play well in tune without the hassle of seeking help from third party craftsmen. The stories of folks going through 20 clarinets to find one that works "for them" are becoming fewer and farther between. One doesn't have to find the current Hans Moenig (if there is one) to get their horn to sing with the most reliable undercutting of tone holes and readjustment to the height and length of the register tube anymore.
The best example I have is mouthpieces. There are some manufacturers that have found a way to make wonderful and consistent products through CNC technology and plastics such as ESM and Gleichweit. Those offerings are not that expensive compared to many custom makers (refacers) whose products can still be somewhat hit or miss.
Technology has its place.........and its limits.
Artistry of the musician is where it counts for results so I don't think the percentage of maestros has changed over the years. It just takes a little less time and effort for the great players to find their personal instruments.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2023-03-03 19:41
Peter, thank you for your insight. I am still not certain of the implication of your last statement: "At the end of the day it’s all relative. Professional players use the best instrument of the day and the best instrument for them." At face value, the first part of the last sentence implies that there is a "best instrument", while second part, suggests that there is a pool of "best instruments" to choose from. This leads back to my original question, simply restated, how big is that pool of best-instruments-of-the-day and how well does the price point of an instrument correlate with inclusion in that pool?
Paul, you make an excellent point. I think your view may go a long way in explaining the clarinet market in the early 21st century. If only the market wasn't so muddled by long held biases and marketing hype.
I get the feeling that my implied question, asking how much is truly gained from spending $9,000.00 for new clarinet rather than $4,000.00 for a new clarinet (plus, lets say, $1,000.00 for a top notch complete set up) has no easy answer. Which, in reality, IS an answer. What works for someone, works for someone; sorting the technical from the psychological components may be impossible.
John
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Author: echelonphoto
Date: 2023-03-03 22:16
I got to audition a vast array of buffets recently...I currently own an r13 from the 60's. I hated the tosca the most. esp that RH pinky mess they have there...couldnt even play a decent scale. The one that impressed my the most was the new XXI....really nice keywork and the tone just poured out with very little effort...very direct and centered with a dark feel. I also play a selmer seles prescence which has somewhat more reisistance than the Buffet.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-03-04 01:10
Bass clarinets have seen definite improvements over recent years ....but then they were late off the mark so to speak .
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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