Klarinet Archive - Posting 000057.txt from 2000/06

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Bass-clarinet audition
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 15:40:09 -0400

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tony Pay [mailto:Tony@-----.uk]
>
> There was a discussion of how to fill the first clarinet job. But
> 2nd/bass is another thing.
>
> Anyone?
>

The committee needs to decide whether the clarinet or bass clarinet it more
important. I have taken a few bass auditions and in every one, clarinet has
been asked first. I am a pretty good bass player and a decent clarinetist,
but my bass chops are by far better.

It is important to have a bass player that is good at clarinet, but I think
the importance of this depends on their duties in the orchestra. If they
regularly play clarinet as a second player and move down to bass a couple
times per season, then a standard clarinet audition with bass in a later
round should be appropriate. However, if it is a straight bass clarinet
chair (no clarinet unless you are playing a part like Mahler 1), I would
have the musician play bass for the whole audition and bring in the clarinet
towards the final round.

With bass clarinet, you have questions about a solo... What should the
person play? Most auditions tend to ignore this and have you play Mozart on
clarinet. Perhaps a transcription of a Bach Cello Suite movement....
Ideas?

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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