Some of the contents of the pages on this site are Copyright © 2016 NJH Music | [Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] 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 -- unsubscribe or receive the list in digest form, mail a message of 'help' to listserver@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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