Klarinet Archive - Posting 000991.txt from 1998/10

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Basset Questions
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 21:54:26 -0400

On Thu, 22 Oct 1998, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:
> I haven't very much of an idea of what you said in the above. What I
> stated was, I believe, absolutely accurate. Namely this:
>
> It is incorrect to suggest that a basset horn is simply
> an E-flat clarinet extended to low C. I mean no disrespect
> to either Buffet or LeBlanc but they don't make basset horns.
> They make alto clarinets in F with extensions down to low
> C and they call them basset horns. They are marvellous
> instruments, beautifully in tune, wonderful to play, a joy
> to listen to. But they are not basset horns.

This makes what you were trying to say very clear.....thank you for
clarifying what you meant. You know, isn't it always about communication
and terminology?

We call a Porche 911 an automobile.........but do we say it isn't an
automobile because it has a different engine size, a different
horsepowere, a different wheel base length, a different carboration
system, a different suspension system, and a whole bunch of cool gadgets
on it just because it doesn't resemble the like equipment on an automobile
from 1911? Probably not......but we do that for modern basset
horns......even if they aren't like the basset horns of the 19th century.

So.......disagreement on principal and philosophy - not so much on
equipment. Is it a basset horn or isn't it a basset horn? Depends on
what one defines as a basset horn........and if any changes in design
allow it to remain a basset horn.

Roger Garrett
IWU

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