Klarinet Archive - Posting 000415.txt from 1996/03

From: Greg Baker <BAKERG01@-----.EDU>
Subj: on Marcellus and A clarinets
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 1996 17:46:45 -0500

Regarding the ongoing discussion about the use of different clarinets, I am
almost entirely confident that the different instruments are used for their
differences in timbre and tone color. To prove my point, consider the clarinet
part to Beethoven;s c minor 5th symphony. The first three movements are in
b-flat, while the brassy, majestic finale is written for a c clarinet. I am
sure there are other examples of this, but I can only come up with this one
right now.

However, there are some glitches in my theory. First of all, are there any
orchestral parts out there written in strange keys (four plus sharps or flats)
for an A clarinet? I am not well-versed in this area, but would appreciate any
information on this issue.

The other problem with my theory is that there are some clarinetists out there
who have the breath support and voicing to overcome the darker and more
resistant timbre of an A clarinet. For instance, there is an old recording of
the Schubert 9 by Szell and the Cleveland that I think is one of their best.
Robert Marcellus's performance of the solo in the second movement is one if the
instances. There are actually times during the solo where his throat is so
sopen, that it sounds like a C clarinet! I don't know of too many people that
can do that with a b-flat, much less an A.

Well that's all I can think of right now. Any comments, just post it to the
group. Thanks a lot!

Greg Baker, St. Cloud, MN