Klarinet Archive - Posting 000215.txt from 1997/05

From: njs5@-----.uk
Subj: Re: Step 2 of n - Dan Leeson
Date: Thu, 8 May 1997 08:32:50 -0400

I think Dan might be mislead by flautists. (a) the flute overblows at the
octave so that it does not have the problem that a clarinet "in c" is really
"in c" in the clarinet register and "in f" in the chalumeau register and (b)
although it is true on the early flute as on the early clarinet that the
cross-fingered notes are inherently better in tune in the higher octave than
in the bottom octave, the tuning can be adjusted without prejudice to the
sound much better than it can on the clarinet. Moreover regarding Dan's
specific question, the flute is different; csharp is more convenient than
bflat and so the early flute is happier in sharp keys.
What I am saying is that this really IS a CLARINET problem. Nick
>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
>*****************************************************************
>Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
>Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
> Evansville, IN 47722
>el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
>*****************************************************************
>
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