Klarinet Archive - Posting 000212.txt from 1997/05

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Step 2 of n - Dan Leeson
Date: Thu, 8 May 1997 08:32:47 -0400

Dan, even though your research question concerns the early clarinet, I
think you might benefit from posting your question and your findings on
the flute list. There are many players of early flutes on that list, and
such discussions usually generate a lot of well-informed responses.

Certainly, while the method of generating the tone on the Baroque/early
classical flute is very different from that of the clarinet from the same
period, the technical aspects of fingerings are quite similar, and the
process of development, the acceptance of additional keys, etc., followed
similar lines.

I think I would predict that your central thesis might be challenged on
the flute list. It seems to me that quite a few players of period
instruments feel that rather than being more difficult on older
instruments, the music of those eras is actually more easily managed on
flutes (or clarinets, I suppose) which were contemporary with the music
itself. Naturally, this might relate to the fact that composers had taken
into account the technical limitations and requirements of existing
instruments.

I have no experience in playing historical instruments, but there are many
on that list who do, and who might be able to contribute to your research.

Ed Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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