Klarinet Archive - Posting 000700.txt from 1996/01

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: basset clarinet
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 16:00:44 -0500

Dan Paprocki mentioned literature for basset horn, citing the Mendelssohn
"Konzertstuecke." Don't forget Mozart's Gran Partita Serenade!

Neil

On Wed, 31 Jan 1996, Daniel A. Paprocki wrote:

> Greg,
> A basset clarinet is a clarinet pitched in A (like a normal A
> clarinet that is used in orchestra) with an extended range to written low
> C. The extra notes are laid out like that of an extended range bass
> clarinet (the key position does vary between manufactures). I know that
> Buffet, Yamaha, and Selmer make basset clarinets (very high $$$) and there
> are some basset clarinets that are custom A clarinets with an extension.
> There are a number of recording of the Mozart Concerto being played on
> basset clarinet (Dave Shifrin, Charles Neidich, etc.)
> A basset horn is pitched in F and looks like an alto clarinet with
> an extended range to low C. I think all the main manufactures have them in
> their catalogs. The only pieces that come to mind for the basset horn are
> the Mendelssohn Concert Pieces for 2 basset horns (I think). I'm sure
> there are others.
> As you mentioned the alto clarinet is sort of the black sheep of
> the clarinet family. It's pitched in Eb and goes to a written low Eb.
> I've only see one used in bands and clarinet ensembles. Its' problem is
> that it is never used in orchestral pieces so the serious players aren't
> interested in playing it and very few band composers know what to do with
> it. The only piece that comes to mind that employs the alto clarinet well
> (and has a small solo!!) is the Ingolf Dahl "Sinfonetta". Grainger does
> use it in "Lincolnshire Posey". It's trouble is that its' range is covered
> between the normal Bb and bass clarinet so there is no unique voicing.
>
> Dan
>
>
> > Hi gang-
> > As an instrumental music teacher, I find the fact that I need to ask
> >the
> >question a bit embarrassing, but here goes:
> >
> > What, exactly, is the difference between a "basset horn" or "basset
> >clarinet" , and an alto clarinet? For that matter, why is it that alto
> >clarinet parts seem to be rather shunned in concert bands all around, even
when
> >there might be personnel who could cover them?
> >
> > Gregory T. Wright
> >
> >103147.1471@-----.com
>
> ******************************************************************************
>
> Daniel A. Paprocki
> dap@-----.us
>
> ******************************************************************************
>