Klarinet Archive - Posting 000005.txt from 2003/02

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] C clarinet repertoire
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 09:11:21 -0500

In a message dated 2/1/2003 3:28:36 AM Eastern Standard Time, athompson@-----.za writes:

> My new C clarinet is on the way, and although it will be used primarily for
> orchestral work, I was wondering if anyone knows of any solo repertoire, or
> chamber music, which uses the C. I have looked at online catalogues, but the
> music for C seems to be predominantly tutors and beginner's
> pieces.>>

Allan -

I think you are going to have to be creative here. Almost all published solo and chamber works are for the Bb or A clarinet. However, if you're willing to be adventuresome, you might find some wonderful opportunities.

Recently I play a woodwind trio gig - with a trio consisting of flute, oboe, clarinet. We had become pretty tired of the familiar repertoire for the goup and were looking for a fresh approach. Our obeo player came up with a group of pieces for two oboes and english horn.

We wound up playing some of these with the flute playing the first oboe part, the "C" clarinet playing the second oboe part, and of course, our oboe player played english horn. We had a lot of fun, and got good comments.

Interestingly enough, we tried some of the pieces using the Bb clarinet on the seconf oboe part with me transposing. We did not find the blend anywhere nearly as satisfying. The "C" clarinet really fit more easily with the flute and oboe, at least in that setting.

Go ahead, be creative! I bet you can find lots of seldom performed music that you can have a ball with!

Walter Grabner
.......proud "C" clarinetist! and...
www.clarinetXpress.com

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