Klarinet Archive - Posting 000184.txt from 1996/05

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: Enter the Ginastera "Variaziones" finger rip contest!!
Date: Wed, 8 May 1996 21:48:49 -0400

Brad Behn asked:

> Was the Ginestera clarinet variation written for the C Clarinet?

To which Dan P replied:

> Yes, the Ginastera clarinet variation is for C clarinet. I'm not sure
> what the rest of the piece is for since I only copied that movement from
> the score.

The score may be in C, but the part, as it comes from Boosey and Hawkes,
is a semi-manuscript version in Bb. The trick is to start on A (the
clarinet is tacet until the flute variation - Var 1), play the clarinet
variation on A, then change back to the regular part on Bb.

> I know of some players who have the Eb take over the last group of the
> rip.

In concert (or recording studio) I know of a lot of players who do this.
I've played the piece three times, and twice I had our Eb player do this.
It's not exactly a picnic for the Eb either - 4 sharps up to written
G#''''. A colleague who played this with Ginastera conducting told me
that Ginastera himself suggested this solution. Of course, at an audition...

At Dan Leeson's suggestion I tried the part on C clarinet. If you own
one, it's the way to go. There is one phrase of the solo that requires a
switch to Bb (to play a written low E - just one!), but there are 8 bars
on either side for the switch - not a big problem. I've never done this
"in the heat of battle", but just practicing it on the C seemed easier.

> There is a great CD of the Israel Chamber Orchestra with Eli Heifetz
> doing the solo...

I'll take this opportunity to toot my own horn (so to speak). The
Richmond Symphony has a recording of the Variaciones Concertantes on Elan
Recordings CD-2222.

BTW, Dan, I just use the standard fingerings up to D'''' when I do (did?)
it on A.

David Niethamer