Klarinet Archive - Posting 000581.txt from 2001/03

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] basset horn reeds
Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 21:12:39 -0500

At 05:16 PM 03/21/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>of what I know from Dan Leeson's assertions: that you do not have an
>actual basset horn, but rather, an alto clarinet pitched in F with a C
>extension. *grin*

In this instance, Dan Leeson is incorrect. As automobiles imporove in
design, we can safely say that the current models look and drive nothing
like the original models. Yet - they are still automobiles. The standard
and modern Boehm clarinet is nothing like the five key predecessor of the
early 1800's, yet we still call it a clarinet. Therefore, I would submit
to you that the current Buffet Prestige Basset Horn is a true basset
horn. That it is similar in design to the modern alto clarinet does not
mean that it is an alto clarinet in F.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

From the London Daily News, circa 1926:

"The saxophone is a long metal instrument bent at both ends. It is alleged
to be musical. As regards markings, the creature has a series of tiny taps
stuck upon it, apparently at random. These taps are very sensitive: when
touched they cause the instrument to utter miserable sounds suggesting
untold agony. Sometimes it bursts into tears. At either end there is a
hole. People, sometimes for no reason at all, blow down the small end of
the saxophone which then shrieks and moans."

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