Klarinet Archive - Posting 001283.txt from 1999/01

From: Simon_Aldrich@-----.ca (Simon Aldrich)
Subj: [kl] Pinky keys on Basset
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 14:34:18 -0500

A number of people said
<< Roger Garrett in describing Shifrin's clarinet mentioned that the
thumb keys have been replaced with additional touchpieces to be operated by
the pinkies.
For those of us who have played bass clarinets and basset horns with
thumb keys, such a change would be wonderful.
I also have the three dreaded thumb keys for low D, Db, C. I agree that
sliding from one to the other is NOT my best technical skill. However, Dan,
you mentioned that it is easier for bassoonists to slide the thumbs since the
weight of the bassoon is NOT supported by the thumb, leaving the thumb free
to navigate extra keys.>>

An option for the basset clarinet is that which I have on my basset clarinet,
as made by Stephen Fox. A rod attaches to the thumbrest mechanism and has a
flat, cushioned end which rests on one's stomach or lower breastplate. That,
in combination with the neckstrap, allows free movement of the right thumb to
play the low D, Db and C. It also eliminates the need for a stand or peg. It
also means less fatigue of the arms when practising.
BTW oboists use a similar device which sometimes rests on their chair.

If you do not have big hands extra pinky keys are problematic.

I am playing the Mozart Concerto with my orchestra seven times on tour in
late Feb/early March and will be playing it on basset clarinet.
The Montreal dates are February 25th and March 1st.

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

Simon Aldrich

Principal Clarinet - l'Orchestre de l'Opera de Montreal
Principal Clarinet - l'Orchestre Metropolitain de Montreal
Nouvel Ensemble Moderne
Quintet Pentaedre
Les Vents de Montreal

tel/fax: (514) 843-7550
simona@-----.org

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