Klarinet Archive - Posting 000339.txt from 2000/12

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Contra advise
Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2000 15:52:51 -0500

At 02:39 PM 12/6/00 -0600, you wrote:
>So, what is the collective wisdom on this,,,Contra Bass or Contra Alto?
>
>If it is a Contra Bass.... curved or straight?
>
>Thanks
>
>Dave

What a great question!

A lot of band music calls only for Bb Contrabass Clarinet without
transposed parts for Eb Contra Alto. However, the Contra Alto is much
easier to play, better sounding (I think anyway), and more flexible over
the break and in the upper register. It's also easier to match pitches
on. This is all, of course, unless you purchase top of the line
instruments. I really like the Selmer Rosewood Contra Alto we own - it is
about 30 years old and in beautiful shape. I have seen a Buffet Prestige
only once - but it was absolutely magnificent. I don't know if Buffet
makes a contra bass(Bb) - but if they do, I'll bet it will run $14,000 or
so (discounted) - I could be wrong. Perhaps Francois can tell us.

Contrabass clarinets are often curved. These are the kind you can sit on a
chair and play. The uncurved ones (well, they still have curves, but not
wrapped around itself!) require a stool to play on.

My opinion is to buy the contra alto and transpose whatever pieces need to
be played. We did that recently when my band played Blue Shades by Ticheli
and the part called for a Bb Contrabass clarinet and for past performances
of John Barnes Chance's music. We simply wrote the part out for Eb contra
alto - nothing was too low. It worked great!

I hope this helps. I'm sure there are other people out there who are fans
of the contrabass before the contra alto, so we are sure to see some
opinions.......

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Head, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
(309) 556-3268

"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's."
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)

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