Klarinet Archive - Posting 000299.txt from 1999/05

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] re: Different pitched Clarinets timbral qualities
Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 17:43:48 -0400

Bill Hausmann wrote (responding to David Blumberg):

<<<>Some players can tell the difference between the A, and the Bb, C and
what
>system is being played just by hearing it (the timbre of the notes being
>played, and the note connections sounding different).
>
Even if I concede that SOME PLAYERS can make this distinction, I submit
that the vast, VAST majority of players and listeners cannot, rendering the
fuss over using different clarinets for reasons OTHER THAN ease of playing
in a given key moot. >>>

The timbre difference between an A and a Bb is, for most ears, not
discernable. Not true of the Bb/A and the Eb--they are as different as Bb
and Piccolo trumpets. I am absolutely certain that Mr. Hausmann could tell
the difference by ears alone, if given the opportunity.

I used to be of the thinking that the difference between the Bb/A and the C
was not meaningful--until I heard and played one. It's closer in timbre to
the Eb; it's VERY different from the Bb.

As to whether prominent clarinet players use the C--sure they do. Mr.
Galper described how, and we have already read anecdotes on the list over
their usage in the Chicago Symphony. I know Chris Sereque here in the
Seattle Symphony plays one when called for, and that Dan Johnston did also
when he was in Buffalo. (If I knew more major orchestral players
personally, my list would be longer.)

kjf

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