Klarinet Archive - Posting 000081.txt from 2002/10

From: Tony@-----.uk (Tony Pay)
Subj: Re: [kl] Bartok Contrasts - To Bb or Not to Bb
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2002 12:14:48 -0400

On Wed, 2 Oct 2002 07:11:06 -0700 (PDT), clarinetistvibe@-----.com said:

> Hey everyone. Im performing the Bartok Contrasts at the end of January
> and received two clarinet parts - Bb and A. I've started practicing
> both, but each have its own logistical issues... any suggestions on
> which is better??

The piece was written to be played using two clarinets, Bb and A.

When I was a student, I played it as written. Then, I noticed that some
of the passagework lies more comfortably on the Bb, especially the F/Ab
tremolo in the second movement, and went over to playing it all on the
Bb for a time.

Nowadays I play it as written -- but I don't play it very much.

> Is it meant to be played on one versus the other?? Thanks for your
> feedback.

Bartok wrote it to be played on two instruments, and Goodman does so on
his recording with Szigeti and Bartok. Playing it on one instrument
means that you have to put several notes up the octave in the first
movement, as does not changing to A clarinet for the central section of
the last movement.

Tony
--
_________ Tony Pay
|ony:-) 79 Southmoor Rd Tony@-----.uk
| |ay Oxford OX2 6RE http://classicalplus.gmn.com/artists
tel/fax 01865 553339

... I'm not schizophrenic. It's this guy beside me!

---------------------------------------------------------------------