Klarinet Archive - Posting 000753.txt from 2002/03

From: "Patricia Alison Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Vito Alto Clarinet
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 19:41:56 -0500

Don Gross wrote:

While not a solo, after playing bass clarinet on the "A" version Rufford
Park
Poachers from Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy with the Claremont Symphonic
Winds, I now have the "thrill" of playing alto clarinet (first time I've
ever
played the beast) on the "B" version with the Cal State Los Angeles Wind
Ensemble. Those "dueling duets" are not the easiest in the world to pull
off
correctly. It's my understanding that Grainger preferred the "B" version
because of the soprano sax. No accounting for taste.

Patricia:

I suppose, technically, it is not a solo, since there are other instruments
playing. However, there are not other "like"instruments playing. I suppose
that is why I thought in terms of that part as a solo, as it is quite
exposed, and, a bear for intonation, especially the "B" version.
I knew there was some other gawdawful instrument Grainger had paired with
alto clarinet. Thanks for the reminder, Don! I imagine you will at least
bring skill to playing the "beast" (though, I myself would check the serial
number on the thing - if it has "666" anywhere in it, get another
instrument, and quick!) ;-)

Patricia A. Smith
pattiesmith@-----.net

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