Klarinet Archive - Posting 001017.txt from 1998/10

From: Note Staff Unlimited <notestaff@-----.ch>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset Questions
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 19:09:15 -0400

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As nobody yet reacted to the not quite accurate original statement, I'm catching up
on my week's post and, so ....

A basset clarinet must not neccessarily be in A. It can also be in Bb. I can prove it
as I have one. I must be an idiot to have had it made along with the basset A as
there is only a Mozart quintet fragment and some nice bits from Titus to play on it
(aside from a few modern pieces written for Alan Hacker). Ah, the sins of youth...
Possibly, though not likely, Stadler also had a basset clarinet in C. I know of no
further possible keys for basset clarinets. How about an Eb soprano basset clarinet?
(just joking!)

And yes, it's a normal clarinet extended to low C. Of course some changes in the bore
could be useful and I believe Buffet does this as well. But, does it then still sound
like a basset clarinet - or more like a normal clarinet???

As far as the word basset horn is concerned. It stems from German Bassetthorn. But
the ending sounds more French than German to me. (I've been living in Germany right
on the border to France now for 19 years). However my etymology doesn't reach that
far so I can't be sure....Also, it *is* a German invention just as the clarinet is.

As far as the meaning, it obviously means a small bass. Don't ask me why it's called
horn! Of course basset (as in hound) is French....

As for the definition of Basset Horn: for me the essential characteristic of the
basset horn which set it apart from the alto clarinet or any other clarinet (except
perhaps the basset clarinet) is the *relatively* small bore which produces a tender,
haunting sound which Mozart loved. Otherwise, why would one call it basset horn and
not tenor clarinet in F?

David
David Glenn, notestaff@-----.ch

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