Posted by MP on August 19, 2003 at 07:04:06:
In Reply to: Re: High Notes posted by Steve C on August 18, 2003 at 22:30:57:
This clearly works for Steve and also a great many fine players, BUT I would seriously caution against introducing ANY 'breaks' in ones embochure. Frequently I see players shifting from 'false' embochures in the low and pedal registers to a 'normal' one for middle playing, then shifting again for the upper register. A piece such as the VW Concerto - 1st mmt - has passages which range from low F to high C and - in the Cadenza - low Bb up to High Ab, each with no breaks to properly shift the embochure. There are many, many examples of this in the repertoire.
If you are a developing student, please don't adopt this technique! Take the time to let your playing develop. However, if you're a mature player who has got to where he's going with his playing (and wont [can't] be spending chunks of time practising this), fine; adopt any techniques you feel will help.
Sure, it's harder in the short-term but worth it once you have built the flexibility in your embochure to takle most pieces put in front of you.
Perhaps think of it like a young Athlete offered steroids; those who choose Steroids get to where they're going faster (running fast/lifting weights, or in your case, playing higher). However, once there, they find they cannot make do without the crutch of the Steroids to maintain their standard. The Athlete who rejects steroids but puts in a heap of time at the track/gym is the guy you want to be IMO : )
To get there practice lots of Free-buzzing (or with a little resistance - rubber hose or half a finger) accross your full current range (you'll be able to notice any 'break' points) and also play lots of lip flexibilities over your full range. These will help develop a powerful YET FLEXIBLE embochure. See other posts here for good advice on just developing that high range!
Best,
MP