Klarinet Archive - Posting 000216.txt from 2001/11

From: "Steve White" <shwhite2@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Non-Boehm Clarinets
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 18:27:38 -0500

I've known a few Oehler system players to have a Buffet bohem system for
more chromatic works. hard to believe, but true.

Steve White

-----Original Message-----
From: James Lytthans [mailto:lytthans@-----.net]
Subject: [kl] Non-Boehm Clarinets

Regarding non-Boehm clarinets:

No more Alberts (thank Heavens.... sorry Woody Allen!), but there are
several manufactures of Oehler, or German System, clarinets. Hammerschmidt,
Wurlitzer, Yamaha, Amati and Schreiber come to mind. The Amati is listed in
the new Woodwind & Brasswind catalogue, with several models available,
depending on the keywork, with the top price being under $1300. Wurlitzers
and Hammerschmidts go for stratospheric amounts, but are beautiful
instruments. Yamaha and Wurlitzer (and I think Rossi) make Reform-Boehm
clarinets. These are compromise instruments, with the bore similar to
German System, but with Boehm keywork. I've played both of these maker's
instruments at shows, with mixed feelings. BTW, the September Clarinet
magazine contains an ad by Luis Rossi show Lynsey Marsh, principal with the
Halle Orchestra, playing on a Rossi Viennese Bore clarinet, with Boehm
keywork. This surely is a change from the earlier British players, with
their trusty big-bore Boosey & Hawkes 1010 shotguns!

I'm afraid that the Boehm world is tightening is noose around the German
System. More and more German players are changing to Boehm or Reform-Boehm
instruments, according to several articles I've read recently. Let's face
it, Boehms are somewhat easier to play. I really don't know how the German
players handle highly chromatic music, for example "Daphnis et Chloe".

Maybe we should all play Leblanc's new "Big Easy" clarinet,
hmmm................?

Incidentally, that Indian-made Albert I recently purchased for $68 will
indeed make a fine desk lamp! Maybe Allen needs a new horn.
-----
Jim Lytthans
Anaheim, CA
http://home.earthlink.net/~lytthans/index.html

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