Klarinet Archive - Posting 000013.txt from 1995/05

From: Russell Wayne Householder <rhouseh@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinet Range
Date: Mon, 1 May 1995 06:30:34 -0400

On Fri, 28 Apr 1995, Tom Ascher wrote:

> This talk of playing a bass clarinet up to and beyond super-C (C'''') has
> me curious. Is this really common for bass clarinetist's to play in the
> altissimo range? For that matter, how common is it for the SOPRANO
> clarinet to be used in this range? Is there much music that goes beyond
> F'''?! Forgive my ignorance I'm just starting out and proud to be able to
> hit the F'''!
>
> =====================================================================
> Tom Ascher Internet: u15310@-----.edu
> University of Illinois at Chicago Phone: (312) 413-3665
>
I've played bass clarinet as my principal instrument for 8 years.
In that time, I have been required to play in the altissimo register time
and time again. I consider the notes in the upper clarion and altissimo
registers to be among the most beautiful notes the instrument can make if
played well. Also, in regards to how often that range is called for, it
appears to me that the more difficult and complex the music is the more
it requires of the range of the performer. Especially pieces such as
Husa's Music for Prague 1968. Prague is a wonderful piece which requires
the bass clarinet to play from low D up to high altissimo F#. Range is
an important part of playing the Bass Clarinet.

Russell