I've been researching this topic on the Internet and it has come to my mind that clarinetists, out of all wind instruments, should never use vibrato. I don't think this is the case, but what do you all think? I don't overdo MY vibrato, but I use my diaphragm, so that my pitch doesn't and affected and it is just a simple "wah-wah" to the tone. Should I be using my lib/throat? Please help and please reply fellow clarinetist!! I would love to know what you all think about this!

Hi Again! I use vibrato sometimes. I use my lip, though. Even using the diaphragm will alter the pitch because you're changing the air speed constantly. This happens using either way if you think about it. Either the air speed is unstable from the diaphragm, or it's unstable running in between the reed and mouthpiece when you use your lip to do it. I only use it on pieces where there is emotion needed. That's how I play the flute, too. People always say, "You need more vibrato when you play the flute!" My response is something really offensive, and VERY unmusical of me. Vibrato should come from the emotion of the piece, not because you are required to do it. I don't know about you, but when someone tells me I have to do something a certain way, I don't ever do it that way...EVER! This is why I somewhat dislike Benny Goodman's playing. First of all his tone is god-awful, but his sound always sounds like it's shaking and scared (even in happy music)! Just my $.02 as usual, though!

-Dennis

I agree with Dennis... Vibrato should only be used for the emotion or the expression of the piece... unless of course it has a mark saying vib. but yeah.. If you do heaps of vibrato because someone tells you to.. you sound like you have a bad emboucher and don't have very good breathing control and its totally putting irrasional judgement on yourself... Soo as long as you keep your vibrato at a reasonable quantity and don't use it because someone tells you to you should be fine.

Cheers Musio4fun

I'm not one who uses vibrato when people or a piece tells me too. I use it only if the song requires a lot of emotion too :D :D :D. But sometimes I do it in solos or because I feel like it. For example...Eric Whitacres piece called October concisely fits a good discription of vibrato usage. Wouldn't you all agree?

By the way Dennis...do you have msn?



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And again to you Dennis...i play the flute too and i use my diaphragm for that also...do you use your lip, or diaphragm when you yourself are playing the flute?

I use my Diaphragm on the flute. I have never haerd October. I will see if I can find a recording somewhere. I also do not have MSN. I have yahoo, and aim.

-Dennis

You haven't heard of October by Eric Whitacre? Whoa. I have a recording that I will add...but here's a sample of the flute part :D:D:D:D

K (my first initial starts with K)













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Here is the actual recording. Be sure to choose lo-fi or hi-fi modes to hear it! Enjoy! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songinfo.cfm?bandid=292674&songID=2172069&from=downloadsong.cfm&referer=http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=mp3+downloads+for+October+by+Eric+Whitacre&meta=