Klarinet Archive - Posting 000519.txt from 1998/02

From: Mark Miller <mkmiller@-----.net>
Subj: Re: LH Eb/Bb key
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 12:59:01 -0500

On 2/11/98 12:16 AM Birch wrote:

>I have a question:
>
>Does anyone ever use the left hand Eb/Bb key (between the middle and
>ring fingers)? I have never ever used it on a boehm-system clarinet,
>though it is vital on an Albert. I was wondering if it actually does
>serve a practicle purpose, or whether it was just a leftover remnant of
>the Albert.
>
>--Birch
>

It's a great fingering if you're coming from or going to the "chromatic"
F-sharp (two right side keys). Try an e-flat minor scale in thirds, or
other passages in that key and you'll find it easier (the opening of
Dvorak 8 is a good example - the E-flat - G-flat - F triplet in the
fifth measure).It's also great when you're in the middle of a solo
passage in a concert and you hear water in the right-hand Eb/Bb key!

Mark Miller
mkmiller@-----.net
www.tiac.net/users/mkmiller/