Klarinet Archive - Posting 000552.txt from 1999/05

From: "JW <VZ2@-----.COM>
Subj: [kl] Different pitched Clarinets timbral qualities
Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 17:17:00 -0400

Some composers do/did indeed write for specific clarinets. Stravinsky
is one in particular, ala his 'Three Pieces'. He was very specific
about wanting the 'A' stuff played on A clarinet, not just because of
pitch, but timbre...a few years ago I caught a masterclass by R. Mazzeo
in which he talked about an hour or so session he had w/Stravinsky in
which he grilled him on the Three Pieces, and this very topic came up
(Mazzeo's BSO office was next to/across the hallway from the guest
office, so he had an open shot at anyone who popped in to visit the BSO).

While tone qualities vary considerably, I've found in my own case that
most of the time it's very noticeable to me as to which pitch clarinet
someone is using, as i've been around this stuff for quite a while.
What'll really blow your mind(ear?) is to tune into PBS/A&E/etc. and
catch the Berlin or Vienna phil. doing something with lots of clarinet
in it...those other system clarinets really do sound different(must say
that last time i heard Berlin group, the blond guy who rotated in/out
of principal part during the concert sure sounded good...).

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