Clarinet Vibrato?

Hello all,

It seems to me that Clarinet Vibrato is taboo. I wanted to know what you guys thought about Clarinet Vibrato, and if it has any use whatsoever.

Well, in my opinion it could and should be used a lot more. Why throw a part of the palette away for no good reason. A completely vibratoless clarinet part is often much more anaemic, than it has to be. Just listen to Richard Stolzman play Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart trios with Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma (Sony SK 57 499). You won't find a better argument in favor of clarinet vibrato.

I'm sorry, but I just cannot stand clarinet vibrato..
I have no logical reason for this, but if it makes anyone feel any better, I hate most vibrato anyway (unless tasteful, and not over the top.....as is usually the case).
It's the same as French horn..... I can't stand any vibrato in it. I think French horn and clarinets just sound better with a pure straight tone - I think it suits the timbres of the instruments.
I concede that it could be used as a special effect, or occasionally just expressively, but I prefer the "default" to be non-vib.

I have no problem with you not liking it! It's OK- This is basically a poll, but I couldn't get one started, so I just do this.

<EDIT> This is my first thread that was responded to the day of it being posted. Congratulations, Nickie!

It is one of the most vile sounds I have heard. It is a shame one of my favorite instruments [clarinet] is so stale and perfect, but vibrato is no option... Unlike other instruments*, it is extremely obvious that it is there rather than a colour.

*Flute is likewise IMHO.

I've heard it used so much in reconstructions of early jazz that I don't really want to hear it anywhere else. Just my opinion.

'Classical' clarinet tone production does not use vibrato. (Clarinet) Vibrato is only used in jazz music, and you must specify to use it in any other situation.

My professors' thoughts on it were that "the clarinet has a unique tone quality, and vibrato mars the naturally beautiful timbre". (paraphrased, of course) My personal opinion is that since the clarinet is a "blending" instrument, adding vibrato works against that function.

I think vibrato has a more profound effect on strings and voices anyone disagree or agree?

Yes, but would you not agree that string players and vocalists are best known to overuse vibrato?

My opinion on vibrato stands somewhere near Daniels. The pure, straight tone of an instrument is beautiful, just not many can produce it, so they use vibrato to cover it up, thinking is it acceptable. And of course, this becomes second nature, and now professionals use it like mad. In my honest opinion, vibrato should NOT be used whatsoever in music, about, pre-1850's, or somewhere around that general time frame. That is my personal opinion, though. I also believe that vibrato should not be used by musicians participating as a member in an ensemble. For instance, I dislike vibrato used by each musician in say, the first violin section, or the 'cello section, or even vocal choir. I feel that it should only be used tastefully by designated soloists, such as in a concerto for instance.

My view for clarinet vibrato follows that, I feel is should not be used in a classical setting unless it is part of an extended solo, such as a concerto. As for short solos in orchestral works, I believe vibrato should not be used by any clarinet because the clarinet has a more distinctive tone without it, and so comes across as being more beautiful.

As for horn vibrato, I play horn and use it from time to time. It's just a natural instinct I picked up from playing trumpet. I'm sure this probably makes me sound like utter crap, though, because the nature and characteristics of the horn do not lend well to the use of a fluctuating tone, straight tone is the best way for the instrument to project, and it is more natural. Although in jazz horn, I differ. I love using a little vibrato here and there in jazz.

Sweet! This is my first successful thread!

I am a Clarinetist, so that's why this came up. I actually find it very hard to play vibrato in the instrument's upper range, and don't like the tone up there. I LOVE vibrato, however, in the Clarinet's low range, and it adds a lot of character that you would normally lose down there IMHO. I understand that my opinion isn't the popular one, but I just had to say how I felt.