Klarinet Archive - Posting 001117.txt from 1998/07

From: Craig Earl Countryman <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart and the right clarinet
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 01:24:13 -0400

I think that there is a definite difference in the characteristic sound of the A
as opposed to the Bb. In fact, the differences in playing the two have been a
topic of great discussion following Karen's question.

However, I think that in the setting of the high school, those differences are
small and irrelevant. It seems to me that there are more important things to
worry about, at that level, then worrying about the proper clarinet. Developing
musicality in playing and analyzing Mozart is what is really crucial.

The question is, when did the composer intend for the specific sound of a certain
clarinet and when was he just trying to help the clarinetist out? Unfortunately,
we cannot direct our question directly to the composer because he is deceased. So
the only option is to use the clarinet that is called for unless it is ridiculous
to do so (i.e. a high school student hunting a D Clarinet or something of that
nature).

I agree with you that the sound qualities are "generally" the same, but there are
still differences. Whether or not those differences should be a concern depends
on what level the performer is on and the practicality of fulfilling the
composer's request.

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Craig Earl Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711/
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