PIANISSIMO DYNAMICS

This week I’ve been trying a Leitzinger M2 V Bocal from Miller Marketing. Two weeks ago I shared that I was going to wait and try them all at IDRS. Obviously, I can’t wait.

Let the Bocal Trials Begin!

When I test Bocals- I try out Excerpts and Perform them Via Skype and Landline Phone (for sound variabilities) for my Musician Family Members.

I take requests from my family to play Excerpts that are Loud vs. Quiet, Response Excerpts- Double Tonguing, High Note, and Pianissimo Attacks, and then I finish with “Happy Birthday.”

Always important to finish with something that requires Minimal Thought and is Fun to see How an Item works without Thinking Too Much About It.  

 While Testing and Comparing the Bocals this week I realized Just How Many Excerpts Require Great Response and Ease of Playing for Pianissimo Dynamics on Bassoon. This Musical Request by My Family had SO Many Options to Choose from.

I’ve always noted that Excerpts are Excerpts because They Are a Challenge. And Obviously this is a challenge for bassoonists everywhere, not just in my own personal experience. Explaining Why You Guys Requested this Tutorial on My YouTube Channel.

 I also noted to myself- there aren’t as many excerpts where we get to Wail like a RockStar. 😦 Thanking my lucky stars for Shostakovich this week. 

I know I am not alone in the Quest to Match Clarinet Breath Tones, Taper to Nothing with Ease at the Ends of Phrases (Tchaikovsky, I’m looking at you..), and Enter Low Register Notes  on Second Bassoon with the Warmth and Security that Brahms Deserves.

So here are some Tips and Tricks for Quiet Bassoon-ing, from Effective Breathing to Reed Making that I Use to Aid in My Own Playing. And to Assist in My Student’s Journey of Playing Pianissimo Dynamics on Bassoon.

Be Sure to Subscribe for Updates on My Bocal Testing Adventures.

HAPPY BASSOON-ING, EVERYBODY!