Klarinet Archive - Posting 000275.txt from 1995/05

From: "<Rachel Park>" <Rachel.Park@-----.NZ>
Subj: re. basset horn/basset clarinet
Date: Mon, 8 May 1995 08:19:25 -0400

It seems highly likely that Stadler *would* have regarded his basset horn
as just an extended clarinet in a low pitch. The basset horn in G was more
popular I think at the beginning of the basset horn's 'hey day', and this
instrument of course bridges the gap between the basset clarinet in A and
what we now know as the basset horn, which is pitched in F.

The confusing issue regarding the definition between basset horn and basset
clarinet obviously is the difference in nomenclature; they sound like
completely different things. The only reason that the basset horn received
the name 'horn' was because by the time the clarinet was extended to the
pitches of F and G, it had to have a different shape in order for one's
hands to reach the keys, as well as being far to long to hold and play
easily. The only way that the limited technology of the period could cope
was by using techniques found in the construction of other in instruments
(ie. obselete bassoon type things called racketts, or cervales).

The two vital parts of the first basset horns construction where, firstly,
two pieces of wood were cut out in a half-circle shape, half the bore was
hollowed out from each piece, and then they were glued together and covered
with leather. This 'half-moon' or 'sickle' shape enabled ones fingers to
reach the holes,as the instrument curved back towards one.

The other step was to accommodate the length of instrument. Two chunks of
wood were taken, and once again half the bore was carved out of each - the
bore curved backwards and forwards in this block three times, so as to get
maximum usage out of minimum space. These two chunks were also glued
together, completing the bore. A metal bell was added, and there you have
it!

This is an EXTREMELY basic description of a basset horns assembly in the
1770's, but hopefully indicates why the instrument doesn't seem to be
related to the clarinet in name - at the time, the two instruments were not
even related in shape, so the basset horn got its name from the two
distinctive elements - the BASSET range and the sickle, or HORN shape.

Remeber that the Mozart clarinet concerto was orginally intended as a piece
for basset horn in G, it was the discovery of this fragment that led
scholars to find Mozarts true intentions regarding the shape of all those
phrases.

Dan, from memory I think it is BOTH clarinets which need the extended range
in Cosi fan tutti.

Hope this help those who want to be initiated in to the fabulous world of
the basset horn. I'd be pleased to help out onybody who wants help with
repetoire/history of the instrument, so feel free to contact me.
Rachel Park
Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand
rachelp@-----.nz

   
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