Double-lip embouchure

The double-lip embouchure is a type of embouchure used in playing woodwind instruments like oboe and bassoon, and occasionally clarinet and saxophone. It contrasts with the single-lip embouchure in that both lips cover the dental surfaces.[1]

Historically the double-lip embouchure was common among clarinettists, and was advocated in methods books, such as those by Jean-Xavier Lefèvre and Franz Frohlich.[2] The shift in the 1820s to playing with the reed facing downwards corresponded with a move away from exclusive double-lip embouchure.[3] Double-lip embouchure was similarly recommended in early saxophone materials, such as those of Adolphe Sax and Louis Mayeur.[4]

The double-lip embouchure supports more even lip muscle development, since both lips are involved in maintaining control of the mouthpiece/reed. Clarinettist Keith Stein suggests that double-lip playing on that instrument can be used as a remedial technique to address issues of "tone production, upper register tonguing, legato binding, high tones, [and] undue tenseness".[5] David Pino recommends this technique to address excess pressure from the jaw as well as "tense, pinching" tone on clarinet.[6] He notes that performers who use this method feel "it is the best way to achieve openness and freedom in tone quality and response".[6]

A double-lip embouchure is sometimes recommended by dentists for single-reed players for whom the single-lip approach is potentially harmful.[7]

Prominent practitioners of double-lip embouchure on saxophone include Johnny Hodges and Warne Marsh; Lee Konitz reported using it for ballads.[8] Clarinettists using this technique include Ralph McLane,[9] Louis Cahuzac, Reginald Kell, and Richard Stoltzman.[10]

References
  1. Stein, Keith (1994). The Art of Clarinet Playing. Alfred Music Publishing. p. 12. ISBN 9780874870237.
  2. Lawson, Colin (2000). The Early Clarinet. Cambridge University Press. p. 47.
  3. Harris, Paul (2022). The Clarinet. Faber Music. p. 41.
  4. Cottrell, Stephen (2013). The Saxophone. Yale University Press. pp. 1818–1819.
  5. Stein, Keith (1958). The Art of Clarinet Playing. Alfred Music. p. 46.
  6. Pino, David (1998). The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing. Courier Corporation. p. 59.
  7. Prensky, H. David; Shapiro, Gerald I.; Silverman, Sidney I. (1 September 1986). "Dental diagnosis and treatment for musicians". Special Care in Dentistry. 6 (5): 198–202. doi:10.1111/j.1754-4505.1986.tb00996.x. PMID 3532373.
  8. Hamilton, Andy (2007). Lee Konitz. University of Michigan Press. p. 167.
  9. Battipaglia, Victor (22 June 2021). "The double-lip embouchure in clarinet playing". University of Rochester. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  10. Estrin, Mitchell. "The vanishing double lip clarinet embouchure". Vandoren. Retrieved 17 January 2023.


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