Klarinet Archive - Posting 000320.txt from 1997/07

From: kawai@-----.jp (Takashi Kawai)
Subj: Re: Wagner, or Baermann??
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 04:11:00 -0400

Since I cannot access to the list during this weekend, I will
write the detail later.

Here is a quick reply.

1) Instrumentation of the "quintet"

I'm not sure but I remember the instrumentation is the ordinary
"clarinet quinetet"; i.e. clarinet, 2 violins, viola and violoncello.
However, the second movement (the "Adagio") may contain one double bass.
Probably, that's because the arranger may think the piece is scored
for orchestra.(the second movement lacks a pair of horns)

2) Why the author was in question.

I would strongly recommend you refering to the preface of the
score, published by Schott. The editor will tell you the history.
I think people may think Wagner composed, judging from the style;
especially the key signature and the chromatic movement; Db major
(3 flats for Bb clarinet, and 5 flats for strings!) may not be popular
in the 19th century music. Also, there are so many chromatic scales
in the Adagio, which sound rather romantic than the classical 19th
music.

Best wishes,

Takashi Kawai / Kobe, Japan