Klarinet Archive - Posting 000623.txt from 2002/04

From: Michael Cuthbert <cuthbert@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] A profound question of nomenclature
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 11:40:24 -0400

>
> So, while I'm in my state of mortification, I'll observe that,
> etymologically, the term "ayfer" must certainly refer to an A-flat clarinet.

from practical experience, most people call mine "that out-of-tune
annoying high thing" or when it's not present "a-flat, yes, flat, no
not e-flat, ay-flat. not natural. flat. no not, a half-step below an
A, a piccolo instrument. oh, never mind."

That Finale 2000 included it in its default instrumentation list might
be seen as an incentive for more composers to expand the literature
for the hideous little beast.

Myke Cuthbert

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John Knowles Paine Hall
Department of Music, Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass. 02138

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