Klarinet Archive - Posting 000075.txt from 1997/07

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: Basset Horn
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 16:07:12 -0400

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.89
> Subj: Basset Horn

> I am interested in the Mendelssohn Op 113 & 114.
> I know virtually nothing about a basset horn.
> Can someone enlighten me. What clef? What key is most common? What would be
> the range?
>
> I play trios with a clarinet & piano (me on viola, I confess) and I would be
> able to transpose if it is within my range.
>
> Allen Smith (Vn1@-----.com) answer directly if you wish
> this is not really list stuff.

I can't believe that no one has responded to this note. I didn't
want to be in the forefront or even the background so I shut up
expecting to read a lot of other people's answers. I didn't see
one so I'll respond.

The basset horn is a soprano clarinet pitched in the key of F. There
are some who suggest it to be an alto or even a tenor clarinet, and
I suppose that such a view is possible, too.

It is written mostly in the treble clef, but frequently and for low
notes, in the bass clef. When in that clef it is like a bass
clarinet part. One must presume an octave higher than written.

The basset horn part of either Mendelssohn concertpiece is simply
not playable on a standard clarinet. It won't work at all.

Is there something else you wanted to know, Allen?

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Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
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