Klarinet Archive - Posting 000135.txt from 1995/05

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Instrument questions
Date: Thu, 4 May 1995 01:16:23 -0400

Hi Scott,

Your message:
---
The Clarinet, in its current form, has no technical limitations on
fingering combinations, trills, tremolos, etc. We all know that some are
harder than others, but just about any combination of notes is playable.
Flutes are plagued by impossible tremolos in the extreme low register;
Bassoons have trill and tremolo problems all over the instrument (how'd an
instrument with so many problems make it this far, anyway?); Bassoons and
Oboes both have dynamic control problems in the lower register; and the Flute
has a distinct penetration problem from third-space C on down, unless the
orchestration is done with care. The Clarinet, on the other hand, has
no such problems - even the throat tones can be improved to the point that
there is little to no difference in tone quality to the rest of the
instrument. Also (and I quote):
"The dynamic range of the clarinet is greater than any other wind
instrument in terms of extremes...No other woodwind instrument or brass
instrument offers such a variety of tone color possibilities...The register
chosen...is simply a matter of taste, since the dynamic range allowable
allows an appropriate balance to be maintained no matter what voicing is
selected."

"Any answers out there for me?"
---

What was the question? If you are asking if the orchestration book quotes
are true, the answer is: It depends. The level of player has a lot to do
with the versatility of the instrument. In general, though, I would agree
with the quote except for one trill: Top line f# to g# as in the infamous
Bizet _Carmen_ excerpt. This tremolo is a snap with an articulated g# key,
but most clarinetists don't have one. Now that I think of it, some wide
tremolos can be a problem if they are written over a break, but other than
that, sky's the limit.

I'd be happy to play your work if you want someone to try it out. You know
my address.

Tom L.