Klarinet Archive - Posting 001236.txt from 1998/07

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Mozart's choice of instruments
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 23:00:20 -0400

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.84
> Subj: [kl] Mozart's choice of instruments

> I have never heard that Stadler possessed a basset clarinet in Bb. The
> quintet, the obligato in "Tito", and the concerto were all for basset
> clarinet in A. I contend Mozart had little choice but to write his
> concerto for basset clarinet in A. It was the only game in town!

Not so on two counts. The Titus aria is basset clarinet in B-flat,
and Stadler had 3 basset clarinets, one in C, one in B-flat, one in
A. The quintet for clarinet and strings, K. 516c is also for
basset clarinet in B-flat.

>
> Also, I have read that Stadler loved the sounds of the lower clarinets
> and was a bit of a chalumeau register expert. [ He usually played second
> to his brother for that reason.] His involvement in the then new basset
> clarinet seems natural. He would have lobbied strongly for the use of
> his new, improved clarinet. I'm sure he wowed Mozart with some teriffic
> demos!
>
> Mozart was the first composer to fully utilise the lower register. I
> think it was Stadler's mastery and preferance for that previously
> neglected range that inspired Mozart to break new ground.
>
> Ed Maurey
>
>
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>
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Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
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