Klarinet Archive - Posting 000458.txt from 2000/01

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bb Clarinet part for Mozart clarinet quintet?
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 03:01:29 -0500

GrabnerWG@-----.com wrote:
Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 17:55:37 EST Subject: Re: [kl] Bb Clarinet part
for Mozart clarinet quintet? Yes, I was cranky this morning. However, if
there is a piece that I revere above all others, it is the Mozart Quintet.
Now, about playing it on the Bb. If you play the written notes, in effect
transposing the piece up a half step, you can at least enjoy playing this
lovely music. I suppose there is some merit in a piano arrangement (in Bb)
for students to have some familiarity with the piece. I wouldn't have a
student of mine program it, for example, but for study....shrug... Now....
Transposing the piece, and playing it in B on the Bb to me is just
anathema. Emotionally, instinctively, it just seems wrong. Gut
reaction......don't do it. There ARE A clarinets in this world. For
purchase, rent, loan, etc. I demonstrated this last year by helping our
local (and wonderful) MYA group acquire two A clarinets. THANKS again Guy
Legere and Sue Simmons!!!!! I stand by my statement...get an A clarinet, or
don't play the piece. Walter

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

Ok Walter, from now on, you're not allowed to play any Bach on Clarinet ;)
If the person wanted to play the Mozart with strings on a recording, I
would bet that if he only had a Bb Clarinet that he would not know enough
good string players to make a quintet.
If an amateur player wants to play it on Bb, let him. If a Pro wants to do
it - shoot him.
One thing that playing it on Bb instead of transposing it is that the range
of note timbres remains the same. To me, that is also important. It lays
completely differently in the key of B natural then in the key of C.

David Blumberg http://www.mytempo.com/brightlight.htm "the Bright Lite"
leak light for Sax and Lower Clarinets
www.mp3.com/mytempo

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