Klarinet Archive - Posting 000527.txt from 2003/02

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Contra bass repertoire
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 11:49:27 -0500

Actually, there is a lot more than just a handful of orchestral pieces that
use contra bass clarinet.

All of the repertoire that I have unearthed is from the 20th century, even
though the instrument has existed since the 19th century.

Just a few examples:

Elliot Carter- Penthode . Not really an orchestral piece, but a large
mixed ensemble of strings and winds

Ligeti - Lontano

Penderecki - Capriccio for Violin and orchestra
Violin Concerto no. 1
Pittsburgh Concerto (Written for the American Wind Symphony)
Utrenja I: The Entombment of Christ
Utrenja II : The Resurrection

Steve Mackey - Pedal Tones (I played the premier with the SF Symphony)

Walter Piston - Symphony #3 - The 2nd movement has a bass clarinet part
that goes to low Bb (written specifically for an instrument owned by
Rosario Mazzeo), but must be played on an EEb contra bass.

Schoenberg- Five Orchestra Pieces (Contra bass clarinet in A !!!)

Gunther Schuller -At least seven compositions including his Concerto for
Contra Bassoon.

Essa Pekka Solanen - LA Variations

There are also several operas that include contra bass clarinet and of
course the famous "Triple Concerto" for clarinet, bass clarinet and BBb
contra by Donald Martino.

I am certain with just a little effort a clarinet student looking for a
Master's paper subject could turn up a nice list for us.

Clark W Fobes

CLARK FOBES
reedman@-----.com
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