Klarinet Archive - Posting 000255.txt from 1997/09
From: deerich@-----.net Subj: Re: treble clef Date: Sat, 6 Sep 1997 13:45:30 -0400
Here is just a bit of speculation on the clef issue. I really have no
idea if it is the right answer.
The oldest chalumeaus that I have seen pictured in books on the history
of the clarinet are shorter than our current instrument. So the pitch
would have been higher. Based on these photos, this would have placed
all or almost all the notes in the treble clef. This would then have
been the norm. Perhaps then as the clarinet developed, it was
maintained.
On the other hand, string instruments pretty much played the range we
know now even as the clef system was developed. So perhaps that is why
cellos for example (and harps, etc) often use changing clefs.
Like I said, just speculation but it is fun to think about.
Dee Hays
Canton, SD
deerich@-----.net
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