Klarinet Archive - Posting 000188.txt from 1995/06

From: David E Ross <dross@-----.EDU>
Subj: Chalumeaux and David Ross dissertation
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 1995 19:07:43 -0400

As I was the subject of several recent communications, perhaps I will be
excused for attempting the clarify the situation and answer the questions
which were posed.

My dissertation was completed in 1985 at the University of Iowa, and is
titled "An Organological Study of the Development of the Clarinet in the
Eighteenth Century" (or something close to this--it's been a while). It
deals primarly with the clarinet's evolution in the first two-thirds of
the century, with some additional discussion on the Classical clarinet in
its various national guises. As one might expect from work completed 10
ears ago (actually even older as my main research for this was done in
the early 1980's), there is much in this dissertation that I would wish
to change or revise, but such is the nature or research.

A number of libraries own UMI microfilm or paper reproductions of this,
and perhaps one can obtain one of these copies on Interlibrary Loan (this
is short of purchasing your own copy through UMI). Unfortunately the UMI
copies have very poor reproductions of the instrument photographs
(including the chalumeaux). Perhaps Iowa will send out their master copy,
though many university libraries do not circulate the original copies of
their theses and dissertations. I have one or two full-size copies (with
the photographs) which are usually being circulated to interested
parties. Unfortunately all are out now, though I will be able to retrieve
one in August when I am in Europe from one of my Swiss friends who has
borrowed it.

On this subject, I might recommend books by my friends Al Rice "The
Baroque Clarinet" (OUP, 1992) and Colin Lawson "The Chalumeau in
Eighteenth-Century Music" (UMI Research Press, 1981). If you read German,
Kurt Birsak's new book "Die Klarinette" (Obermayer, 1992) has much
valuable information. I know of several works in preparation concerning
clarinet history, but since I do not believe that any of these German
books have officially appeared yet, I won't send anyone on wild-goose chases.

Concerning chalumeau reproductions, I know of several makers offering
these commercially, unfortunately all based in Europe.
Sharron/Amanda--should you wish I can send you a list of these. As I
receive fairly regular inquiries on my own clarinet reproductions
(including chalumeaux), I should add that I am one of several players who
make boxwood copies basically for their own playing. Perhaps this will
change in the future, but at present this is how the situation stands.

Finally, for those few interested in clarinet history, I have been
invited to give a research lecture at the upcoming Clarinet Conference in
Tempe on the first appearances of the clarinet and chalumeau in Nurnberg.
I will be happy to chat with any of you there.

Enough of this--thank God!!! I guess I can't be accused of being only a
lurker any more

David Ross
dross@-----.edu