Klarinet Archive - Posting 000622.txt from 1997/02

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: boring bass clarinet parts
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 11:36:28 -0500

I think the difference is whether you're playing in a large group
or a small group. In a large band arrangement, I think the arrangers have
more instruments than they know what to do with; thus, the parts are
usually boring and uninspired. In a small orchestration, where there are a
limited number of ionstruments to arrange, the arranger has to get
"double-duty" out of the instruments, handling bass parts as well as
melodic lines. I play bass clarinet occasionally in pit orchestras
(doubling), and the parts are usually written to be exposed! (I'm working
on "Oliver!" now, and one number has a one octave sixteenth-triplet-note
chromatic run to d" and back! Of course, there ARE still some oompahs!)
If you want interesting bass clarinet parts, find some duets,
trios, quartets, quintets, or small combo arrangements!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410) 955-3631

SDM@-----.edu