Klarinet Archive - Posting 000600.txt from 1996/03

From: Don Gross <DGross1226@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: NY Concert
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 1996 22:22:56 -0500

In a message dated 96-03-23 21:36:39 EST, you write:

> David Howard, a
>list contributor, doubled between clarinet and bass clarinet, the start of a
>busy evening for him, as he was the only member of the ensemble that played
>on every piece. He played wonderfully, as expected. For those interested, he
>used a low e-flat bass which he played with a strap, not a peg (undoubtedly
>easier to carry on tour).

Several years ago, my wife and I had front row seats to a LA Phil.
performance of Petrouska. From where I was sitting, I could see David had
two horns. The bell one of them was very large and I thought perhaps he was
using a Contra Eb in addition to his regular low Eb bass. Because I play a
1950 vintage low Eb Selmer Paris bass clarinet myself, I asked David after
the concert about his horns which he had already put away in their cases.
The "big bell" was actually on his low C bass but he related he prefers the
open, free-blowing characteristics and tonal quality of his low Eb for works
that don't call for the low D, Db & C. Never did ask whether he was playing
Selmer or Buffet instruments, though.

Don Gross