Klarinet Archive - Posting 000885.txt from 2002/07

From: Bear Woodson <bearwoodson@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Low Clarinet Literature?
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 18:52:26 -0400

Hello, again.

Years ago, on a few occasions, I have heard
Clarinet Ensembles rehearsing in university music
department class rooms, but I have never heard an
actual concert by a group of Clarinets with the
rarer sizes in it. As far as I know, I have never
heard an E-Flat Alto Clarinet Solo, nor a Bb
Contra Bass Clarinet. I know I've never seen one
in detail, up close. (My eyesight is not so great.)

The one work that keeps coming to my mind
is the William Schuman (1910-1992) Symphony
No. 7 (1960). It has 4 continuous movements,
with a Cadenza for the Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
between the First and Second Movements. Have
any of you played this work? I really like it, and
it was the first inspiration for me to someday
write sonatas and concertos for Bass Clarinet.

When I wrote my "Second Woodwind Quintet"
the local bassoonists balked, and said it was "be-
neath them to play works by a 'student' composer".
(Keep in mind that they knew I was in my 40's,
working on my grad studies, had been composing
on and off for 30 years, and was now writing fugal
movements, double and triple fugues, in my so-
natas and concertos, that are rapidly gaining world-
wide attention. This is not the typical 'student'.)

I then made an Alternate Bb Bass Clarinet
Part and had the pleasure of getting my "Second
Woodwind Quintet" performed with Enid Blount
playing the part. Her recording has been a BIG
influence on me, to want to write a number of
works for Lower Clarinets! I love the sound of a
Bass Clarinet, and if the E-Flat Alto is similar, I
think I will enjoy that, too.

By the way, the other month ago, I got the
David Shifrin recording of the Mozart Clarinet
Concerto with the Extended Body Clarinet. Too
often things like this just Tacky Gimmicks, but
Mr. Shifrin's playing on this recording is En-
dearing, Tasteful and Profound! I am deeply
touched by both the playing and the wonderful
timber as the Clarinet descends to notes that are
too low for the standard clarinet. This also in-
spires me to want to hear and write for an Eb
Alto Clarinet.

Do any of you have other suggestions for
other Low Clarinet Literature, like for Eb Alto,
Bass or Contra Bass?

Bear Woodson
Composer in Tucson, Arizona, USA
"Bear Woodson" <bearwoodson@-----.net>

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