Klarinet Archive - Posting 000238.txt from 1999/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: klarinet in C--to buy, or to transpose?
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 15:53:10 -0400

At 11:58 PM 5/7/99 -0400, Robert Howe wrote:
>Most of Beethoven's C clarinet writing is in G and C, and is
>traditionally tossed off on the Bb or A without a second thought. But
>this should not always be so, and perhaps the exception proves that the
>rule is wrong. THe exception is in Beethoven's only opera. In Fidelio,
>Nr 2 is an aria in C, Nr 3 a Quartett in G, Nr4 is an aria in Bb, Nr 5 a
>Terzett in F, Nr6 a Marsch in Bb. Beethoven's choices of clarients are
>C for Nr 2 and 3, Bb for Nr 4, C for Nr 5, and --surprisingly--C for Nr
>6. THus, the decision to use the C in Nr6 rather than the logical use
>of the Bb, implies a strictly muscial choice, seeking a particular tone,
>and this is a choice we should honor. Beethoven was a professional
>composer (like Mahler etc) and he knew more about his intentions than we
>ever shall.

Of course, Beethoven was also DEAF!

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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