Klarinet Archive - Posting 001413.txt from 1998/07

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart's choice of instruments
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 20:26:03 -0400

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.89
> Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart's choice of instruments

> Dan,
> I was dead wrong about Statdler owning only an A basset clarinet. I listened
> to my recording of "Tito" and "Parto! Parto!" is definitely in Bb. I had long
> forgotten the existance of that unfinished Rondo in Bb. Thanks for wisin' me
> up. I hope my wife doesn't find ot about this...she thinks I'm perfect!

What astonished me with respect to the extent of Stadler's interest
in basset clarinets was that he had one in C! I didn't believe it, but
after checking I found out that it was true. And another thing about
him: it is my opinion that he used basset clarinets as his regular
orchestral instruments! Think about it. He goes to Prague to play
the 1st clarinet part in Titus so he has to bring at least his
B-flat basset clarinet and his basset horn for the big solos that
were written for him. Further, the opera itself calls for clarinets
in C and A in addition to the big aria. So why bring a basset clarinet
in B-flat but regular clarinets in C and A? It makes no sense. I
think that they were just his regular horns.

Your wife owes me a good meal. I'll take beef stew and potatoes.
For dessert a peach cobbler will do fine. And why does your
wife owe me a good meal? For not telling her that you are not
perfect as am I.

>
> Ed Maurey
>
> Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:
>
> > > 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
> > >
> > >
> > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > =======================================
> > Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
> > Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
> > leeson@-----.edu
> > =======================================
> >
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
=======================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
=======================================

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