Klarinet Archive - Posting 000002.txt from 1994/08

From: Jordan Selburn <jordan@-----.COM>
Subj: Andrea's Dilemma
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 1994 10:38:49 -0400

In response to Andrea Hakari's quest for a bass clarinet solo, Dan
Leeson writes:

"I would ask that you consider the Burrell Phillips bassoon solo which
has none of those characteristics for which the b.c. would be a poor
choice. I don't remember the title but how many Burrell Phillipses are
there?"

This prompts two comments - one specific and one general. First, I am
fairly familiar with the Phillips Concert Piece for Bassoon, as my wife
(a bassoonist, but please don't hold it against me) played it for her
college recital. Neither of us are convinced that it lends itself well
to bass clarinet, particularly for reasons of differing sound quality on
staccato notes.

Secondly, I don't feel that, in general, bassoon music is especially
appropriate for b.c. Sure, the instruments have a similar range, but
that's about it for similarities. Otherwise, the instruments are quite
dissimilar in tone and in "feel" to the listener. And then there is the
political correctness/Czar's blinis factor of playing a piece written
for one instrument on another.

However, given the unfortunate dearth of b.c. music, you have to take
what you can get. Andrea, if you would like a copy of the Phillips to
evaluate, I can dig it out and fax/mail it to you. Just let me know.
Also, you might want to consider one of the Vivaldi Bassoon Concertos,
although I would recommend against it for the same reasons as above.

Regards,
Jordan
jordan@-----.org