Klarinet Archive - Posting 000004.txt from 1996/02

From: Dan Paprocki
Subj:
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 08:47:00 -0500

On Wed, 31 Jan 1996, Neil Leupold wrote:

> 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 as
k
> > >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
> >
> > ****************************************************************************
**
> >
>