Klarinet Archive - Posting 000335.txt from 1996/03

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <mcheramy@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Clarinet range
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 21:37:33 -0500

I haven't noticed much response to this, so if someone else has already
dealt with it I hope I'm not being redundant.

>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.

This depends very much on what level of ensemble you're writing for and
what kind of effects you want. At the low end, I think all the low
clarinets have low E flat, and many basses have low C (but if you're
writing for a specific group, find out if they have low C basses). Alto and
bass can certainly play up into the altissimo register (I haven't played
contra), but if the players aren't accustomed to it you may get some
strange sounds and dubious intonation. The clarion register can be very
weak with inexperienced players or if the instruments are not well
maintained, but can sound very lovely with good instruments well played.
It's up to you as an arranger to decide whether the unusual sound is
appropriate.

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.

As far as I know, modern custom is to write all the parts in treble clef. I
personally like low parts in bass clef, but maybe that's just 'cause I got
used to it playing the bottom part in Mozart's basset horn trios.

Should I double E-flat
>clarinet with the 1st clarinets or could that cause problems
>(intonation)?

Again, this depends on the players. The more competent and experienced the
players, the less they play out of tune - if Eb players can play in tune at
all, they can play in tune with Bb's. In tune is in tune. (Are you going to
ask them all to play R-13's so they have the same out-of-tune notes? ;-}
So again it's up to you as an arranger to choose the moments when you want
the distinct colours of Bb and Eb (or whatever) in unison, in octaves, or
solo. Personally I like Eb and contra doubled three octaves apart, but will
that be an effective presentation of Gershwin's music?

Hope this helps...

LGB