Klarinet Archive - Posting 000531.txt from 1997/02

From: Barbaraann J Bongiovanni <musiclady2@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Boring Bass Clarinet parts
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 13:44:43 -0500

Boring bass parts!!!! While it is so true that most bass clarinet parts
are um pa's, there are some orchestral parts that are so challenging (ie.
Schumann - Symphony #3, Grofe - On the Trail, etc)!! The bass clarinet
has achieved a different role!! When I was in college, I thought that if
I wanted a career in symphonic playing that I had to be proficient on the
auxillary clarinets. The decision had been made easy when I heard my
clarinet teacher, J. Lawrie Bloom, play bass clarinet in the Chicago
Symphony. He plays with so much color, nuiances and piazze that at
times the bass doesn't even sound like a bass clarinet!! He is truly the
best bass clarinetist around these days!

I was in love with the bass clarinet!! The instrument's ability to play
so low and as high (of course, minus the octave) ; soft and loud as the
clarinet was evidence enough!

The unfortunate problem that I see these days is the instrument itself.
Most bass clarinets tend to lose their adjustments so easily (ie. the
long rods, leaking pads, etc). I remember when I first tried the bass
clarinet I was going to perform the Walton - Facade. For those who don't
know the piece, the clarinetist plays Bb, A, and bass clarinet at
different times throughout the piece. (BTW, it's a fun piece and
challenging!) I had asked to borrow a clarinet and I just squeaked and
squawked!! I hated the bass because I sounded so hideous!! Then Lawrie
let me borrow one of his bass clarinets (which I still own) and what a
difference a bass makes! I was able to play with ease and the sound was
so much better!!! It really pays to get Brannen to work on your
clarinets!

So, in answer to your response about boring clarinet parts - Yes, they
exist BUT keep searching... there are bass clarinet parts out there
that are challenging and musical!

Best of Luck,
Barbaraann Bongiovanni