Klarinet Archive - Posting 000017.txt from 1996/03

From: Jacqueline G Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Ab clarinet
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 1996 15:57:26 -0500

Sorry to join the discussion a bit late...

I understand that Leblanc lists Ab sopraninos in their catalogue -- you
could check with IMS in Chicago. I don't imagine they have too many
sitting around the warehouse, though; perhaps they are special orders.
I remember (dimly) playing an arrangement of "The Tumblers" from
Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Snow Maiden" in clarinet choir when I was in high
school and there was an optional Ab part in the score (which doubled the
Eb part that I had - YIKES!!!). Of course, I was fascinated, but never
pursued the possible existence of the Ab. I have enough trouble with Eb!

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu

On
Wed, 28 Feb 1996, Teri Herel wrote:

> Oh to hear the sound one of these must make! If I had any money to spare,
> which I don't (saving for that bass...) I try to get one of these whistles,
> if only for the love of novelty. No, on second thought I know that if I had
> one, I would most certainly play it to the full extent of it's capabilities.
> Does anyone currently make them? Sigh. I'd also like a contra alto.
>
> Teri Herel
>
> In a message dated 96-02-28 17:48:39 EST, dap@-----.
> Paprocki) writes:
>
> >OK, here's a topic - Ab clarinet (smaller than Eb). I've seen one at the U
> >of Wis and it was by Leblanc. Does anyone know any pieces that use it? Is
> >it mainly used in large Italian bands? Why Ab?
> > This Ab (if I remember right) was in 3 pieces + mouthpiece. I
> >didn't play it so I don't know the tuning tendencies. And the strange but
> >true world of the clarinet continues. How about clarinets with sax
> >fingerings (or was it the other way around?).
> >
> >Dan
> >
> >*************
>