Sharon Kam, an acclaimed clarinetist, has distinguished herself in the world of classical music through her exceptional performances and recordings. Her choice of instrument plays a crucial role in her distinctive sound and technical prowess. This article delves into the specifics of the clarinet she plays, the accessories she uses, and the reasoning behind her choices. We will explore the Buffet Crampon R13 model clarinet, her preferred mouthpiece by Peter Eaton, and provide insights into her performance history and personal preferences.
The Clarinet of Sharon Kam: Buffet Crampon R13
Sharon Kam’s primary instrument is the Buffet Crampon R13 clarinet, a model that has become a staple for professional clarinetists worldwide. Buffet Crampon, a renowned French manufacturer, has been crafting high-quality clarinets since 1825. The R13 model, introduced in 1955, is celebrated for its rich tone, dynamic range, and technical versatility.
Buffet Crampon R13 Clarinet Specifications:
Material: Grenadilla wood, which is favored for its dense, resonant sound and durability.
Keywork: Nickel silver keys with silver plating, providing a smooth and responsive action.
Design: The R13 features a traditional design with a barrel length of 66mm, which contributes to its warm and focused tone.
Range: The clarinet has a range of over three octaves, making it suitable for a wide variety of repertoire.
Tone Quality: Known for its rich, round tone with excellent projection and balance across all registers.
Why the R13? The R13 is favored by many clarinetists for its consistency and tonal flexibility. The model’s precise intonation and ease of playability allow musicians to express a wide range of dynamics and colors, which is crucial for a performer like Sharon Kam who navigates both lyrical and technical passages with equal finesse.
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Mouthpiece and Accessories
Sharon Kam uses a mouthpiece crafted by Peter Eaton, a London-based maker known for his high-quality clarinet mouthpieces. Eaton’s mouthpieces are prized for their precision and ability to enhance the instrument’s tonal qualities.
Peter Eaton Mouthpiece Features:
Material: Typically made from high-quality hard rubber or ebonite, which provides a balanced sound and durability.
Design: Designed to complement the Buffet Crampon R13, these mouthpieces offer excellent response and control.
Customization: Eaton’s mouthpieces are often custom-made to fit the specific needs of the player, ensuring a perfect match for Kam’s playing style.
Why Peter Eaton Mouthpieces? Kam’s choice of Peter Eaton’s mouthpiece reflects her preference for a setup that maximizes the R13’s capabilities. Eaton’s mouthpieces are known for their ability to produce a clear, focused sound while allowing for a wide dynamic range. This complements Kam’s approach to playing, where subtlety and expression are key.
Historical and Performance Context
Sharon Kam’s career is marked by several notable performances and recordings where her choice of clarinet has been a significant factor. Among her most celebrated recordings are those of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Quintet.
Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto: Kam’s interpretation of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is renowned for its clarity and expressiveness. Her performance, recorded with a prominent orchestra, showcases the R13’s ability to produce a nuanced and vibrant tone that highlights the beauty of Mozart’s writing.
Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet: In her recording of the Clarinet Quintet, Kam demonstrates the R13’s versatility, seamlessly blending with the string ensemble while maintaining a distinct and captivating sound. This recording has been praised for its balance and the intricate interplay between the clarinet and the strings.
These performances underscore the R13’s suitability for both solo and chamber music, illustrating why it is a preferred choice for a clarinetist of Kam’s caliber.
Kam’s Quotes on Her Setup
In interviews, Sharon Kam has discussed her reasons for choosing the Buffet Crampon R13 and Peter Eaton mouthpiece. Kam has expressed that the R13 provides her with the tonal richness and flexibility necessary for her diverse repertoire. She appreciates the instrument’s ability to produce a sound that is both full-bodied and precise, allowing her to execute complex passages with ease.
“The Buffet Crampon R13 has been an integral part of my musical journey. Its rich, warm tone and responsive keywork allow me to explore a wide range of dynamics and expressions.”
“Pairing it with Peter Eaton’s mouthpiece was a game-changer. It complements the R13 perfectly, enhancing its tonal qualities and giving me the control I need.”
Kam’s endorsement of this setup highlights its importance to her performance and recording success.
Technical Specifications of the Buffet Crampon R13
The Buffet Crampon R13 is engineered with a number of features that contribute to its renowned sound quality and playability.
Materials and Construction:
Wood: The use of grenadilla wood ensures a dense, resonant sound and longevity.
Keywork: Nickel silver keys with silver plating enhance the instrument’s durability and responsiveness.
Bore Design: The R13’s bore design is optimized to balance tonal warmth with projection.
Key Features:
Adjustable Mechanics: The clarinet’s keywork is designed for precise adjustments, which helps in fine-tuning the instrument’s playability.
Tuning and Intonation: The R13 is known for its consistent tuning and intonation across all registers, which is essential for professional performances.
Why Professional Clarinetists Favor It:
The R13’s combination of tonal richness, dynamic range, and playability makes it a top choice for professional clarinetists. Its ability to produce a nuanced and powerful sound is crucial for both solo and ensemble settings.
Comparisons with Other Popular Clarinet Models
To understand why the Buffet Crampon R13 stands out, it is helpful to compare it with other popular clarinet models.
Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Buffet Crampon Prestige:
Tone Quality: The Prestige model offers a slightly brighter sound compared to the R13’s warmer tone.
Price: The Prestige is generally more expensive due to its advanced features and custom options.
Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Selmer Paris CL301:
Material: The Selmer CL301 often uses different materials, which can result in a distinct tonal quality.
Design: While the CL301 has a modern design with additional features, the R13’s traditional design is preferred by many for its classic sound.
Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-CSV:
Response: The Yamaha model is known for its smooth response, but the R13 is favored for its superior tonal depth and projection.
These comparisons highlight the R13’s unique attributes and why it remains a preferred choice among professional clarinetists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sharon Kam’s choice of the Buffet Crampon R13 clarinet and Peter Eaton mouthpiece reflects her commitment to achieving a distinctive and high-quality sound. The R13’s exceptional tonal qualities, combined with Eaton’s meticulously crafted mouthpieces, provide Kam with the tools necessary for her acclaimed performances and recordings. For clarinetists looking to emulate Kam’s success, understanding the technical specifications, personal preferences, and available options for these products is crucial in selecting the right setup for their own musical journey.
