15 “fuzzy octave” multiphonics for Bb clarinet

Because the clarinet only has odd harmonics in its spectrum, octaves in multiphonics are impossible. But there are a few that come very close, in a way that I find interesting and rather beautiful. These aren’t perfect octaves by any means. But the ways in which they come close produce some totally unique multiphonic sounds. They are close, beating multiphonics that vibrate in the mouth of the player and sounds almost sung.

They aren’t easy to play, but they aren’t as difficult either (I think). There are definitely dyad multiphonics that are far trickier.

The notes inside () represent pitches that you cannot separate in the multiphonic. Pitches are, as ever, transposed.

Enjoy them!

# Pitch Fingering Audio Notes
30 fuzzy 30 Bb - 30 This one is quite complex, and the top note bends really easily, so it needs to be controlled for the octave effect
31 fuzzy 30 Bb - 31
64 fuzzy 30 Bb - 64
67 fuzzy 30 Bb - 67 You can either have the F# or the C quarter sharp here (I demonstrate the F# second in the recording)
90 fuzzy 30 Bb - 90
104 fuzzy 30 Bb - 104
142 fuzzy 142 Bb - 142 The octave is buried inside this complex multiphonic…
172 fuzzy 30 Bb - 172
176 fuzzy 30 Bb - 176 Rather unstable.
177 fuzzy 30 Bb - 177 Getting rather far from our octaves with this one, but I find it so beautiful… a little tricky to keep both pitches even, as you can hear.
241 fuzzy 30 Bb - 241 Again you can either have the D or the G quarter flat here – I demonstrate both
265 fuzzy 30 Bb - 265 Once again the octave is buried within the multiphonic
324 fuzzy 30 Bb - 324
330 fuzzy 30 Bb - 330 And last but not least — actually this one may well be my favourite.
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2 Responses to 15 “fuzzy octave” multiphonics for Bb clarinet

  1. Brian Gnojek says:

    I just performed Eric Mandat’s “The Jungle,” and there are a few perfect octaves in there! T123C#|o2o plus top side key is a G#-G# octave; T123|12o plus throat G# is an F-F octave.

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