Klarinet Archive - Posting 000643.txt from 1997/08

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: Playing bass clarinet and clarinet /Steve Moore
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 13:33:46 -0400

Gary VanCott=NHIN
08/16/97 10:33 AM
Clark W Fobes wrote: I think in defending your position to play the
clarinet solely, Steve, you have completely missed my point.
I never said that bass clarinetists are musically deficient. It is
extremely admirable that you
are able to play various clarinet pieces on the bass clarinet. Can you also
play them on the
clarinet? If you intend to become strictly a bass clarinet soloist and that
is your heart's desire
then go for it. My comments are based in simple practicality - it is
virtually impossible to obtain
a position in an orchestra without being equally proficient on the
clarinet. You can argue your
position until the cows come home, but if you intend to make a living
playing the bass clarinet
you may have to become more versatile.
**********
Of course, this doesn't just apply to professional playing. Playing the
bass clarinet exclusively pretty much limits you to concert band. Clarinet
quartet music has some great bass clarinet parts, but some of the music
(most of Y. Desportes for example) is for four Bb clarinets. You need to
be able to play Bb clarinet in order to have the maximum playing
opportunity.

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV
Gary_VanCott@-----.com

   
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