Klarinet Archive - Posting 000208.txt from 1995/09

From: bassethn@-----.ORG
Subj: Bassethorns
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 1995 12:17:16 -0400

As always, Dan's postings are wonderfully articulate and brimming with
clarinet epistomolgy!

However, I always thought that a bassethorn was defined by its suspect
intonation and asthmatic sound characteristics. It takes many years of
practice and psychotherapy to convince oneself that the intonation is
getting better and the sound is becoming more pleasant. (Note my email
address if you think that I do not know of what I speak).

It is to be noted that although these two qualities may be considered
liabilities to a clarinet player, the bassethorn is a far superior
instrument to the alto clarinet which, although an important voice in a
wind band, I feel is to be considered as a figment of one's acoustical
imagination (not unlike a viola). For what it's worth, I am a professional
player in a big symphony orchestra who specializes in low reeds (reeds
bigger than a B flat soprano reed) and I can't play those darn altos to
save my life. Wouldn't want to. I'd rather die.

Enough musical cynic humour.

I couldn't agree more with Beth Morgenroth. If finacially feasible, the
alto clarinet should be replaced by bassethorns in wind bands. An
important voice in the wind band would then have a reasonable chance of
being *heard* without squeaks (at least fewer squeaks) and reasonably in
tune.

John Newhill, a British author and bassethorn player (I believe) has done
considerable research on the bassethorn and its repertoire and has
published on this topic. He has a scholarly opinion on the Selmer &
LeBlanc bassethorns which largely agrees with the posting of Dan Asthmatic
er .. I mean Leeson. The last address I had for him was 25, Amberley
Road, Sale, Cheshire, England M33 1QP. Does anyone have a more recent
address or know if this is correct?

=========================================
David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Internet: bassethn@-----.org
=========================================

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