Klarinet Archive - Posting 000703.txt from 1996/01

From: David Bourque <bassethn@-----.COM>
Subj:
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 18:04:03 -0500

In addition to Dan's comments about bassethorn/alto clarinet, in my
experience, although it has its difficulties, the bassethorn is a far
superior instrument to the alto clarinet. It is voiced more evenenly, has
more colours available in the sound and is not torture to the listener.

It is shame that the alto is often left out as I feel that the voice is
crucial in a wind band. OK all you band directors out there, replace your
altos with bassets! I am certain that some of you already do this,
especially in some of the colleges.

I know of only one piece of serious repertoire for alto -- a piece by
Stravinskii, I believe that it is Berceuse du Chat. Did Roger Sessions
wrtite symphonically for alto clarinet?

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