Klarinet Archive - Posting 000460.txt from 1997/02

From: BARTONRD@-----.com
Subj: bass clarinets
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 22:53:03 -0500

Greetings,
My name is Doug Barton. I, as many of the other people on the list, have
recently begun playing clarinet again after a long "leave of absence."
I found particularly humorous, but also concerning, the statement in a recent
post that some people might consider the position of bass clarinetist as a
lesser spot (this same author suggested that many consider 2nd and 3rd
clarinet to be an at best a let down and at worst, an insult. Frankly, if I
were good enough to be a 3rd clarinet, I'd be happy). I personally love the
bass clarinet. It's voice is a beautiful voice and the instrument itself
impressive. The unfortunate problem is that since it is not as popular an
instrument, information about it and it's music is not as commonly talked
about or referred to.
Questions I have are many, so here goes...

1. The long on-going discussion regarding wood, plastic and composite
clarinets has been very useful as I think about purchasing an up-grade from
the very cheap plastic clarinet my parents bought for me when I was about 10
years old. Can the same discussion be held about the bass clarinet and it's
materials? Also, what are some of the favorites that people are using?

2. I love to listen to the bass clarinet. Recordings don't appear to be all
that common, however. I have a CD of Renate Rusche which is beautiful. I
also very much enjoy the part of the bass clarinet on "Blues for Sabina."
Unfortunately, I have yet to find a jazz CD which I enjoy featuring the bass
clarinet. I recently purchased a CD by David Murray and another by Eric
Dolphy as these were recommended elsewhere. The bass clarinet was not
featured on either CD. It performed more of a background role in the few
pieces using it. Admittedly, Dolphy's Brooker's Waltz used the bass clarinet
extensively, but the featured instrument was the trumpet. I was wondering
what CD's are available featuring either classical or jazz bass clarinet as a
featured/solo instrument?

3. Where can I find a list of intermediate level bass clarinet parts and
solos or does anyone have a favorite compilation of pieces for the bass
clarinet? I have been using mostly clarinet music when practicing on the
bass. Unfortunately, clarinet music tends to feature the upper octaves of
the clarinet. Not too difficult to play on the bass, but shouldn't bass
clarinet music feature the beautiful, deep, resonant, lower octaves? Any
thoughts?

4. I have been using a Yamaha YCL-220 (plastic). I did not know there were
adjusting screws on the bass clarinet. Never taught about them in school.
Don't see one on my Yamaha. Don't have a teacher yet. Just thought I'd ask
about them from someone who knows.

I thank you all in advance first for reading my post and second for any
response you may have. Maybe this could be the start of more conversation
regarding the bass. I've enjoyed the few moments that the bass has had over
the last few days.

Thanks
Doug Barton