Woodwind.OrgThe Oboe BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard              
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Previous Message  |  Next Message 
 Re: Improving Legato
Author: d-oboe 
Date:   2006-11-14 20:43

"Are you just touching the corner of the reed with your tongue, or are you hitting it full-on?"

I understand that when we tongue the reed, we may be only touching the corner - fine. The only problem, is that it is impossible to determine, on a regular basis in the practice room, whether or not this is actually happening. Even if one were to think they were tonguing the corner of the reed, it is important to note: what we may feel is happening is often different than what is actually going on. This makes it impossible to assess progress.

In any case, tonguing doesn't exist in and of itself. It is perhaps better termed "wind interruption" because biomechanically speaking, that's what happens. This misunderstanding often leads players to believe they can't tongue properly, when in reality, the wind was not being used correctly.

I won't delve to far into wind production, but know, Suzan, that's it not how much wind, or how little wind that is used in a phrase that makes it work. It is the ability to have a precise stream of air, that is under complete control of the play at all times.

And above all...keep it s-i-m-p-l-e. Your brain will never be able to manage the 13 seperate intervals that make up the first phrase of O Come Emmanuel, all at once, in the practice room. (Even less the concert!) You have to find the SIMPLEST way of breaking down that phrase. It is ONE phrase, that will have ONE shape. (You can determine what that shape is of course! Does it start soft, and grow, and then come away...or what?) Seeing as you now only have ONE shape to worry about, it is sooo easy to hear what is going wrong. It will be extremely obvious when notes don't conform to the shape you like.
If you try to make 14 individual notes perfect you will never get past the first phrase. Trust me.

D

 Reply To Message  |  Avail. Forums  |  Flat View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 

 Topics Author  Date
 Improving Legato  new
ohsuzan 2006-11-14 12:22 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
d-oboe 2006-11-14 14:42 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
HautboisJJ 2006-11-14 17:08 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
mschmidt 2006-11-14 17:18 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
d-oboe 2006-11-14 20:43 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
hautbois 2006-11-14 19:38 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
ohsuzan 2006-11-14 19:51 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
ohsuzan 2006-11-15 00:59 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
vboboe 2006-11-15 03:37 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
Ken Shaw 2006-11-17 15:52 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
cjwright 2006-11-17 17:18 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
d-oboe 2006-11-17 18:49 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
ohsuzan 2006-11-17 19:07 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
Ken Shaw 2006-11-17 19:12 
 Re: Improving Legato  new
Koch Fan 2006-11-18 06:41 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

The Clarinet Pages
For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org