How do you feel about vibrato?

BigDub

Recently I came to a realization that I was "using" vibrato as a cloak, in a way, instead of reading using my ear and staying right on pitch. I am using it less now, but not entirely eliminating it. There are times when it is called for, for my taste anyway.

Kehaulani

You want a real headache, delve into it's historical use.

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GeorgeB

Re: Hand or embouchure

I always used hand back in my young playing days, but these days I use whichever I feel is suitable for the moment.

Kehaulani

@FranklinD said in How do you feel about vibrato?:

Vibrato is real awful when it becomes a habit like the Armstrong followers Henry Red Allen and even worse, Ruby Braff who finishes every note with an awful vibrato, almost a shake.

I think that's called style.

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Kehaulani

You don't think masters like Henry Red Allen and Ruby Braff don't know what they're doing? I think it's perfectly reasonable to not like someone's playing and, at the same time, acknowledge their qualification to play that way.

For example, I'll probably never plunk down a Cecil Taylor track, but he's a monster . . a MONSTER.

Vulgano Brother

Timofei Dokshizer had an amazing sound and plenty of vibrato but at times no vibrato.

barliman2001

What do I feel about vibrato? Slightly shaken.

BigDub

After a hard physical task a good vibrato can be quite a comfort.

ROWUK

I feel that the consummate trumpeter needs it all. They need to be able to play with and without it, they need hand, jaw and gut vibrato. Above all, they need the musical intelligence to know the difference.

Someone noticing "too much vibrato" means that the player does not understand their audience!

J. Jericho

@barliman2001 said in How do you feel about vibrato?:

What do I feel about vibrato? Slightly shaken.

Not stirred?

Kehaulani

When did vibrato become commonly used on trumpet?
Were earlier trumpets, in ensemble playing, vibratoless and then vibrato added later?
Did the technological advantages in trumpet construction have a concurrent influence on trumpet vibrato?

BigDub

@Kehaulani said in How do you feel about vibrato?:

When did vibrato become commonly used on trumpet?
Were earlier trumpets, in ensemble playing, vibratoless and then vibrato added later?
Did the technological advantages in trumpet construction have a concurrent influence on trumpet vibrato?

I believe the vibrato of the human voice was what trumpet players strove to emulate. Then came the process of trying to mimic it and the various techniques began to show themselves. This is only speculation on my part, but I think it might have some merit.

Kehaulani

Not really asking what one feels is logical, but authentic, original sources, i.e. texts, commentaries, etc. I could've been clearer.

BigDub

@Kehaulani said in How do you feel about vibrato?:

Not really asking what one feels is logical, but authentic, original sources, i.e. texts, commentaries, etc. I could've been clearer.
No problem, Kehaulani, I understood and share your desire to really know some historical evidence as to when and how it began to be used.
In my effort to search it, some of those thoughts came to me as a result of things being mentioned about vibrato. They were mostly talking about singing. That brought up the idea to me that playing the trumpet can sometimes imitate the phrasing and expression of the vocalist. This includes vibrato, of course, which has also evolved over the years as to how much is appreciated and considered tasteful. I hear it when I watch old movies from way back.

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Tobylou8

I just went and listened to Mr. Braff. I would call it style. It's his style and old recordings and "newer" stuff have it and it's pretty consistent throughout. If he didn't use it, I would be surprised.

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Kehaulani

Here's a good example of alternate, cornet playing, Warren Vache.