Klarinet Archive - Posting 001096.txt from 1997/09

From: David McClune <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Eb Clarinets
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 01:48:20 -0400

Eb Clarinet in band is different than an Eb in an orchestra. Many Eb parts
in the wind literature are there because of a standardized instrumentation
list and not because of specific compositional/orchestrational decisions
made by the composer. The conductor must study the score carefully enough
to make the value judgement of whether to use Eb or not. There may be no
harm in playing Eb in all band music, but there are compositions for winds
where the Eb part is critical and not an option. The "Winds of Nagual" by
Michael Colgrass comes to mind (or is it "to ear"?).

Without doubt the player must use excellent equipment and devote sufficient
practice time to master the tonal and intonation challanges of the instrument.
Dr. David McClune
Professor of Clarinet
Director of Bands
Union University
Jackson, TN 38305
901-661-5294-office