Klarinet Archive - Posting 000426.txt from 1994/02

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Daniel McLamb's commments about basset clarinets
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 1994 19:16:48 -0500

Daniel correctly points out that the Mozart concerto is for an A
instrument whether a clarinet of traditional compass or a basset
clarinet. In the conversations that preceded Daniel's interesting
note, much was said about basset clarinets and somehow (I'm not
sure how) Daniel may have gotten the impression that someone was
suggesting that the work be done for a B-flat basset clarinet.

I am sorry for the miscommunication, but no one made that suggestion.
I think that the entire conversations with respect to the Mozart
concerto centered around A basset clarinets.

Let me add, though, that Stadler had three basset clarinets: one in
C, on in B-flat, and one in A. Mozart explicitly calls for B-flat
basset clarinet in at least three works: (1) the solo accompaniment
to the aria "Parto, Parto" from the opera Titus, (2) the fragmentary
quintet for clarinet in B-flat and string quartet, K. 516c (and
available in a published edition as completed by Robert Levin) and
in some parts of the opera "Cosi fan Tutte" where descent to low
written C is required for basset clarinet in B-flat.

I tried to buy a pair of basset clarinets for my 60th birthday but
none of the big three would make one in B-flat for me, only
in A. They also stated that there was no repertoire for the
instrument which, even if true (which it is not), would have been
irrelevant. I want the pair to use as my regular orchestral
clarinets and if I want long ones, that is my business, even if
I don't use the low notes very often, or even at all.

The German makers will make a basset clarinet in B-flat for you but
only in a German system. Stalder of Switzerland has two. The
professor of clarinet at the Hochschule fur Musik in Freiburg im
Breisgau has two. They are all over the place, except in America.

However, in the case of Daniel McLamb's comments, the conversation
about which he expressed some concern had to do with the A basset
clarinet, to be sure.

I am sorry if we were not clear, Dan.

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
====================================

   
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