Classical Music. It’s Radically Delicious!

Classical Music is the original Virtual World, where a vivid and beautiful imaginary story is created through the infinite array of musical possibilities.

Radically delicious classical music and clarinet. Classical music is and always has been radically delicious; cutting edge, relevant, even rebellious. But it has lost its relevance to the communities it seeks to serve. The solution? Break down the barriers between performer and audience. Take music back to the people. Why not? The experience of music is a lot more fun and engaging when it’s approached from a playful, creative attitude. That’s the whole point! A balance of playfulness and depth informs my humble teaching, practice and performance of clarinet. Why not dance and sing as you practice? Why not laugh and weep through your instrument? Why not rock-classical-concerts with live orchestras surrounded by dancing audiences? Why not? Music. It's Radically Delicious.

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And the best part? The software is pre-installed in every human brain.

Classical Music. It's Radically Delicious.

Clarinet Tone Talk 6: Mouthpiece Tests

Here are samples of a short scale test on 6 different mouthpieces.

Several of them are made from wood. I’ve been experimenting with wood mouthpieces and Legere Reeds. Since the reed is a known quantity (who would have thunk!) any small changes which occur in a wood mouthpiece should not adversely affect performance.

When I recorded them, they all sounded so different. Listening to them now, they sound quite similar.

For what it’s worth, I can assure you they are vastly different mouthpieces. I am curious how they sound to you.

MP1

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MP2

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MP3

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MP4

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MP5

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MP6

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I promise to deliver a more satisfying set of tone samples next week!!

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Tags: Clarinet, Clarinet Tone Talk, learn clarinet, play clarinet

14 Responses to Clarinet Tone Talk 6: Mouthpiece Tests

min-young on November 9, 2010 at

I like 5, because… sound is round and moist. ^^
David Niethamer on November 1, 2010 at

Liked #2 – the Ched – the best for its beautifully balanced sound. #5, Hawkins B next, which was a surprise, as I’ve always found these mouthpieces to be rather bright for my taste. The Zinner just loses too much of the highs for me. #6 with the softer reed I could live with. this has been an interesting thread.
- David H. Thomas on November 2, 2010 at
  
  Thanks David. I plan to use the Ched Lelandais for orchestra, and the unnamed wood for recording the Jeanjean etudes. I want the delicate intimacy of its tone. Perhaps I’ll record some short samples of Jeanjean etudes with several to help me secure the best choice, in case I am not hearing some flaws in the unnamed wood one.
Massimiliano Pidò on November 1, 2010 at

on 3 and 5 for their dark color are my favorites.
I find that 5 to maintain the uniformity of sound throughout the register. 3 in the high notes tends to open slightly.
Allan Segal on October 29, 2010 at

Dave. I cast my vote via email, since we were discussing another topic, but in the interest of the vote tally , here are my picks for all to see:
#1, 2, and six.
Wonder if the Daily Show, CNN, or Fox will include this election as part of their midterm coverage.
- David H. Thomas on October 30, 2010 at
  
  lol Allan.
Steve Broe on October 27, 2010 at

I liked 1 and 3, did not like 4. Yes, they sounded similar to my ears.
- dtclarinet on October 27, 2010 at
  
  Thanks Steve. Every vote counts!!
danop on October 27, 2010 at

I agree with John Peacock. Before I read any of the comments, I decided that I liked 5 the best. I listened again, and 5 is still my top choice.
Bill Fogle on October 27, 2010 at

#1 is my favorite, but I wonder if that was the quality of air as you began the series?
John Peacock on October 26, 2010 at

Hi David,

I like 5 best: the sound is round and yet clear and clean
4 & 6 are next: a bit brighter than 5, which some may prefer. But I'll go for warmth any time.
1 is a bit like 4/6, but a smaller sound
2 & 3 least favourite: a bit fuzzy and smaller sound still. I'd guess the tip opening is less open compared to 456

If 2 & 3 are your favourites, forgive me!

John
- dtclarinet on October 26, 2010 at
  
  I like 1 and 6. But they all sound frighteningly similar to me, considering how differently they felt!
  - John Peacock on October 27, 2010 at
    
    Maybe this says you always end up sounding like yourself, whatever the equipment.
    
    On this front, maybe you could post a similar set of clips illustrating your points from a recent post about voicing. How about two quite different mouthpieces voiced into 3 different tone colours, and let readers see what differences stand out the most?
  - Keith on October 27, 2010 at
    
    I liked 3 and 6 best for your core tone. K