Klarinet Archive - Posting 001052.txt from 1998/12

From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset horn vs. basset clarinet
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 23:46:58 -0500

Neil Leupold wrote:

> From the statements above, simple deduction suggests that a basset
> clarinet is simply a basset horn in any key other than F. Is this correct,
> or are there other significant differences between the two instruments beyond
> their tuning pitch?
>
> Neil

My interpretation of Dan's comment (which may or may not be what he intended) is
that, in his view, basset clarinet is a generic term that identifies the
instrument's range. In this case, it would follow that the basset horn is
actually a member of the basset clarinet "family" (along with bass clarinets to
low C). This is a very broad interpretation of the term and is somewhat
different from the understanding I had from earlier threads on this question. It
may also be somewhat broader than the interpretation in Colin Lawson's book. I
need to reread the chapter on Stadler's clarinet. At first, I thought Lawson was
using the term "basset" in Dan's sense. Later, however, he suggests in a couple
of places that a basset clarinet is not simply a "soprano" basset horn though he
either does not explicitly identify the difference or I missed it the first time
through..

Modern instruments labeled basset horns that I have seen from the major
manufacturers look like alto clarinets with a range to low C and are pitched in
F. Modern instruments labeled basset clarinets that I have seen from the major
manufacturers look like long soprano clarinets with a range to low C. Those that
are listed in the catalogs are pitched in A (because of the Mozart concerto and
quintet?) but I believe someone mentioned in an earlier thread that Wurlitzer (?)
will custom-make them in Bb and perhaps C.

If I am reading Lawson correctly, however, earlier basset soprano clarinets (and
some modern reproductions) came/come with both straight and curved necks and with
straight, bent, curved and even bulbous bells. Also, based on surviving
examples, Lawson concludes that basset horns in F were more common than basset
horns in G but the latter did exist (and this was probably Mozart's initial
choice of instrument for his eventual "clarinet" concerto -- cf. the remaining
fragment).

In any case, Joe, your question was a good one and unless we accept Dan's
definition or limit ourselves to modern versions, the answer may not be so clear.

Best regards,
Jack Kissinger
St. Louis

-------------------------------------------------------------------------