Klarinet Archive - Posting 000294.txt from 1996/03

From: Rebecca Brown <z_brownrd@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet range
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 1996 23:20:01 -0500

On Sun, 10 Mar 1996 juliek@-----.ORG wrote:

> I am arranging the Gershwin Piano Preludes for clarinet choir. I want
> to ask about the range of Alto, Bass, and ContraBass clarinets, how low
> and how high should I write them. Also, I have been writing all parts
> in treble clef..is it normal for Bass/contrabass clarinet to read in
> treble or should I write them in bass clef. Should I double E-flat
> clarinet with the 1st clarinets or could that cause problems
> (intonation)? If anyone has suggestions, I would really appreciate it.
> Thanks.
> Julianne Kirk
> juliek@-----.org
> ___
> * UniQWK #2178* "Cello"-The proper way to answer the phone.
>
The range of the Bass and Contra Bass Clarinets are usually down to a low
Eb but many of the newer instruments have Low C Extensions, especially
the Buffett Prestige Models which are growing inpopularity! As for Bass
Clarinet's top range....it is really the same as Bb clarinet if you have
a good player. If you have specific players in mind you might want to
ask them about their range. I played Bass clarinet exclusevly for about
8 years and I could play from the Low C up to the Altissimo C (5
Octaves). Your beswt bet if you do not know the players is to stay out
of the altissimo simply because unless they play a lot of solo literature
they will not be use to playing in that range and it can be
intimidating. Hope some of that helps!

Rebecca Brown
Stephen F. Austin St. Univ.
Clarinet Student
z_brownrd@-----.edu