Klarinet Archive - Posting 000680.txt from 1995/05

From: Fred Cicetti <cicetti@-----.COM>
Subj: How High The Moon?
Date: Wed, 24 May 1995 16:11:39 -0400

I'm curious about the opinions of anyone in KLARINET about the altissimo
register.

F'rinstance:

How high up should a clarinetist be able to play? I don't have a great
deal of experience; the highest note I've seen written was in a
transcription of a Benny Goodman solo. It was the A atop the 4th ledger line.
With my setup--B45 and V12 3 1/2s--I can hit the C over that A. But it
ain't nice to hear.

David Pino offers fingerings for notes even higher than the C. I can't
imagine.

Everything sounds great to me up to F. Then it gets a bit shrill. Is this
my playing, my ear or the nature of the instrument?

Any general advice on how to play well in this register?

All help appreciated.

cicetti@-----.com