Yeah, I have found the A and B squirrelly on my flutes–currently my A tends to be flat and the B tends to be sharp. In general, this probably has something to do with the Irish flute being maximized for 1st octave performance at the expense of the upper 2nd and 3rd octaves.
One exercise I’ve found very helpful for working on embouchure is playing harmonics. Start on low D and keep all six fingers down. Sound the low note, then the next harmonic the D an octave above that, then the third harmonic which is the second octave A. Sound all these notes with all fingers down and by adjusting embouchure, either tightening the embouchure as Denny suggested and/or directing the air a little more across the embouchure hole, not by blowing harder. Do it starting on the low E which will go low E, middle E, second octave B. Once you sound the harmonic A, then go to the correct fingering for that note (L1 + L2) and you might then find the “sweet spot” for that note. Do the same when correctly sounding the harmonic B, going to the correct fingering L1.
I think I’ll do this myself.
Enjoyed your recordings–solid playing and interesting variations.
I’ve added an updated version of Planxty Lord Inchiquin, this time with visions of dancing ladies and gents. Sorry about that last note, 3rd octave D.
I also added my version of The Milltown jig, and to top it all off, a version of “Lost and Found Milltown.” If you do listen to this one, you can see that the A section of the tunes is similar in a way that I can’t describe, but the B section…I had a hard time keeping time while playing to the other tune.
What’s wrong with the top D? You hit it nice and softly - not shrill at all. Anyway, I’m always flummoxed by people fussing about going the full two octaves on flutes or whistles - up to 3rd 8ve E shouldn’t be difficult for anyone! Better feeling on this take, Michael, though I’m not sure you’ve judged the ritardando at the end right - didn’t quite work for me. If anything, the sharpness and apparent pushed-ness of your top A & B is more apparent this time, at least in some places - and these ones do sound louder than their context. Try and get them like that D!
I really like your effort at double tracking! Some nice pearly 2-flute effects coming out there! Interesting how the variant versions of what is essentially the same tune interweave…
I’m not sure you’ve judged the ritardando at the end right …
I had to look that one up, Jem. I like the way that rolls off the tongue, especially if you trill the tongue with that first “r.” RRRRRRRReetardando. Your spot-on with that criticism. I’ve got three versions up on box.net, and I think I like the first one you heard best, and I realize where there’s room for improvement. I appreciate the comments from everyone.