Klarinet Archive - Posting 000993.txt from 2002/06

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet in A
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 12:42:32 -0400

Walter wrote an interesting post on A bass clarinet. There are two
excerpts that I have made of the letter and to which I have a few
comments.

First:

"In the case of the bass clarinet in A, the clarinet world decided long
ago, composers and Dan Leeson notwithstanding, that this instrument was
superfluous."

I am in agreement that this is what happened, but I also offer the
suggestion that the clarinet world is not authorized to decide what
instruments are to be used under which circumstances. To bring such a
statement to its ultimate conclusion, one could argue that "the clarinet
world decided long ago, ..., that all instruments other than a B-flat
soprano clarinet are superfluous. Only pitch is of importance and has
value, no matter where that pitch falls in the instrumental choir and as
long as the correct pitch is heard, the composer's intentions are met.
Differences of character of sound between a bass clarinet and a soprano
clarinet is something about which we have no obligations, particularly
if observing that difference requires us to carry heavy packages."

Second: The second item was particularly delightful to me because I see
it as Walter contradicting himself. He says:

"It reminds me of an anecdote. An adult amateur clarinetist approached
me about a year ago and aked me for advice and assistance in getting in
one of the local orchestras. He plays in several local bands, but
thought he might enjoy playing some orchestral stuff. I asked him if he
had an A clarinet. He said no. I asked him if he planned to get one. He
said no. I told him, forget it! It's part of the gig!"

One could just as well suggest that Walter could have asked the adult
amateur clarinetist if he had a bass clarinet in A. Then, when the
person said, "No," Walter could ask him if he planned to get one. Again
a "No" could result in Walter sugessting that he forget it. "It's part
of the gig," and neither Walter nor any clarinetist is authorized to
suggest that it is not, even in the face of a tradition that has arisen
that accepts an A soprano clarinet but rejects an A bass because of the
heavy package phenomenon.

And I add that the now retired 2nd clarinetist in the Met never owned an
A clarinet. He played everything on the B-flat and transposed A parts
when the occasion arose.

Part of the gig indeed!! Since when did such orthodoxy become an
established part of the religion of clarinetdom, and who was there when
the vote was taken. Personal preference does not establish what is
necessarily correct.

--
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** Dan Leeson **
** leeson0@-----.net **
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