Klarinet Archive - Posting 000243.txt from 1996/05

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Ginastera (yet again!)
Date: Fri, 10 May 1996 22:21:04 -0400

I think KLARINET ate this post, so I'll try again, with apologies in
advance if you've all read it before.

David Niethamer
********************

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 on 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 Variationes 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, Internet Liaison
International Clarinet Association
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
niethamer@-----.edu
http://users.aol.com/dbnclar1/
=====================================