Klarinet Archive - Posting 000102.txt from 1995/06

From: Jay Heiser <jay@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Scott's comments on the B-flat clarinet
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 1995 20:41:06 -0400

Tone color? How can 1/2 step make such a difference in sound? I think it was
expediency -- the clarinet matches the other Bb instruments. I cannot believe
that
it was a coincidence that so many instruments ended up being so close to concert
pitch w/o being concert pitch.

It would have made everyone's life easier if half of the wind instruments could
be in C and the other half could be in F (or in G, but not both). Its really
inconvenient
that flutes are not in the same key as trumpets, clarinets & saxes and that eng
horns
and alto flutes are in difft keys.

I believe it was a historical accident and I will need to see strong evidence
before
I'm prepared to accept an explanation based on aesthetics.

Point to ponder: guitars are easier to play in # keys. Note that guitar
players often
write music in # keys and wind players more often write music in flat keys. (no,
I
do not have statistical evidence to back this up)

----------
From: thehat@-----.ORG
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 1995 20:41
To: Multiple recipients of list KLARINET
Subject: Scott's comments on the B-flat clarinet

Originally, one would have had all clarinets: a, b-flat, c,d. THe d went
first, then came back as the e-flat clarinet in military bands and then
the orchestra. THe prominence of the b-flat instrument is most likely
because of bands. THe loss of the c clarinet is most likely a choice of
tone color.

-David Hattner