Klarinet Archive - Posting 000944.txt from 1999/10

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Bb Soprano to Bass Clarinet
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 11:35:15 -0400

In a message dated 10/28/99 6:07:30 PM Central Daylight Time,
dodgshun@-----.nz writes:

<< While we're on basses, does anyone know why Elgar wrote Pomp &
Circumstance no. 1 for bass clar in A? I had to write it out because it's
just too fast
and awkward to do at sight.... >>

At the end of the last century, bass clarinets in A were available, and were
used in Europe, especially in the opera houses. I actually got to play on one
once. My bass clarinet teacher, Al Zetzer (formerly Cleveland Orcheatra) had
one. It was at the time about 90 years old, had two octave keys.

So, Anna, Elgar wrote for it because it was available.

Now, brace yourself...there is a ton of literature out there for bass clar in
"A". The worst I have seen is the bass clarinet part to Strauss' "Salome";
bass clar in "A" written in bass clef. The part is so chromatic that none of
the transposing "tricks" help. That's one where I too had to write out some
parts. I just couldn't transpose fast enough, and only had a week to learn it.

Stupidly, I don't seem to have the transposed part anymore.

Walter Grabner
who is...........familiar with bass parts in "A", but doesn't have to like 'em
ClarinetXpress
Mouthpieces & More!!!!
991 Wildwood Lane
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.433.3309
http://www.clarinetxpress.com

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