Klarinet Archive - Posting 000489.txt from 2001/08

From: "Kevin Callahan" <kionon@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Ab and C Clarinets
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 23:23:30 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Hausmann" <bhausmann1@-----.com>
Subject: Re: [kl] Ab and C Clarinets

> At 05:58 AM 8/28/2001 -0400, Ken Shaw wrote:
> >You should own at least one book on the subject. I think the best place
to
> >start is Anthony Baines, Woodwind Instruments and Their History. It's
> >available in an inexpensive paperback edition, and you should read it
cover
> >to cover. Lots of fingering charts, drawings of different key systems
and
> >photos. There are books exclusively on the clarinet (Rendall, Kroll,
Brymer,
> >etc.), but they're mostly out of print (though I think Brymer is now
> >available again through Luyben Music). Baines has the big advantage that
he
> >tells you about all the woodwinds. If you're like me, you'll devour this
> >book, picking up more than you ever thought possible. Each instrument
gives
> >you insight into the others.
>
> I'm working my way through the Baines book right now. Much fascinating
> information, although the format of the book is a trifle dated.
>

I managed to find a copy in the local library. Sadly, I only understand half
of it, and not only because of my lack of musical skill. As Bill noted, the
format, indeed the style, is unlike a more modern book. Baines is extremely
technical, and I believe he assumes too much about his reader, despite
saying the book can also be used by non players. I mean, he goes right into
discussing finger charts after only the first five pages or so. Even with my
musical skill (which, as with us all, leaves much to be bettered) I have a
hard time keeping up with him, especially when he switches instruments every
other line, and in fact, will change subjects mid-paragraph and go off on
another subject entirely before through with his previous two subjects. I
feel like I'm reading something from medieval british literature and require
a translator instead of something merely fifty years old.

On the up side, and on a totally unrelated note, I was having trouble in my
piano class because I could not understand the instructor. I decided that I
would set to teach myself, and I did it too (at least for treble clef,
though I doubt bass will be a problem, because as most of you know, I double
on trombone). And I learned with the greatest of musical pieces - the Star
trek Deep Space Nine Theme! I learned crossing the break on that piece too.
D G A! D G A (break) D!!!

Kevin Callahan
Student SFASU
School of Music

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