An undesirable characteristic of clarinet tone is often described as having excessive breathiness or airiness present in the sound. This typically manifests as a lack of focus and clarity, where the sound is diffuse and somewhat wispy rather than solid and projecting. It detracts from the desired rich, resonant timbre of the instrument.
Addressing the source of unwanted breathiness is crucial for achieving a full, vibrant, and controlled tone on the clarinet. An improved tone benefits the player by allowing for greater musical expression, improved intonation stability, and enhanced overall performance quality. Historically, clarinetists have sought solutions to this issue through modifications to their embouchure, instrument setup, and playing technique. Correcting this issue has been a continuing endeavor.
