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Re: Vibrato

Somebody on the list recently asked why string players always use 
vibrato. (I can't find the original message!)
The reason is one purely of habit - there is no real reason why 
vibrato should always be used. The "habit" began in the early 20th 
century, when orchestras began to expand to modern day proportions. 
The theory is that vibrato helped to increase volume, and we have 
simply become used to hearing it. Exponents of historically informed 
performances believe that vibrato should only be used as an 
occasional effect, not as the standard. It is certainly true that a 
string instrument played without vib has a much more resonant sound, 
although much harsher - vib seems to have the effect of softening the 
tone.
It's not true that orchestras use vib at the same rate, although 
players may do so from instinct. No orchestra ever decides how fast 
or how slow the rate of vibrato ought to be, although players do 
practice vibrato metronomically, (but this is more to get the left 
hand used to moving at a constant speed and create an even vib than 
to create a standard). Orchestras that use less vib generally play 
more in tune!!
Operatic sopranos use a constant vib for the same reason - to 
increase volume. As orchestras got larger in the late 19th and early 
20th century, they were finding it more and more difficult to be 
heard above the instruments!
I agree that brass band players often use vib to hide the bigger 
problem of bad technique - how often do you see "elderly" players in 
lower section bands with heads constantly nodding while playing?! 
(now I'm probably going to get flamed for making sweeping 
generalisations!). A band that doesn't use vibrato does have a much 
sharper edge to the sound, and like the orchestra that doesn't use 
vibrato often has better tuning and intonation. This is not to say 
that vibrato doesn't have its place (or that bands that use it don't 
play in tune!) - it is a valuable effect but it is one that ought to 
be used very sparingly on occasions that need a warmer sound and 
should not become a "habit".
I hope that this has been of interest - I've found the discussion 
really useful so far!
Dave
M.D - Pangbourne and District Silver Band

***********************************
David Roberts
Acting Assistant Librarian
Royal Academy of Music
Marylebone Road
LONDON
NW1 5HT
0171 873 7323
0171 873 7322 (Fax)
email:- d.roberts@xxxxxxxxx


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