Klarinet Archive - Posting 000123.txt from 1995/11

From: Bob Chesebro <Chesebro_Bob/furman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Rhapsody, I've got the blues
Date: Tue, 7 Nov 1995 13:30:49 -0500

Dear Steve Prescott,

As a clarinetist, and as a conductor, I am responding to your Gershwinn
question on the bass clarinet part at number 12, specifically the first
four bars. The bass part is the same as tenor sax, and an octave lower
than the divisi first violin part (lower notes) --which the first
clarinet plays also. Trpt III is almost the same. It is my opinion
that the f-sharps and the E-naturals--as written--are correct.
Regarding the 4th bar C-natural, my part and score to not show any.
Only a written D arpeggio (C concert). Gershwinn has typically written
parallel chords and they seem correct to me. I hope we are both talking
about the same place. Or, perhaps you have another arrangement by Ferde
Grofe. The version I have is for a full orchestra scored by Ferde
Grofe. There exists a version for a smaller jazz band. But I am unaware
of the instrumentation for that version. Could you please clarify that
for me?

Robert Chesebro
chesebro_bob/furman@-----.edu
Conductor, Carolina Youth Symphony

> To anyone with answers:
>
> If any of you want to take out you copy of the bass clarinet part of
the
> Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (Ferde Grofe)...I know all of us keep a copy
of
> this in a special place (underwear drawer etc.)...and take a look at
> rehearsal 12 (Tempo Giusto). Is this part supposed to sound wrong
> melodically? To sound right, it needs Eb's, no F#'s and a C on the
> second eight note of the 4th bar. I've played it both ways and the
way
> it is written does (sort of) sound right harmonically - when played in
> the orchestra.
>
> Any suggestions, comments, amusing anecdotes?
>
> Dan, I'm sure your copy of this is taped to the inside cover of your
> case, along side of the picture that was stolen!
>
> Steve.
> Steve Prescott
> Instrument Rep.Tech./Clarinetist
> Indiana State University
> mipresc@-----.edu
>