Klarinet Archive - Posting 001182.txt from 2003/03

From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] "C" clarinet - Dan Leeson take note
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 13:56:07 -0500

At 10:40 PM 3/26/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>So, tomorrow I'm taking my new "C" clarinet to an orchestra rehearsal for
>the first time.What about the rest of you? Has anyone tackled the Bizet
>lately, using a "C" clarinet? What were the reactions of the conductor and
>the other members of the woodwind section?

Walter,

I don't make my living play clarinet and don't know if I am the right
person to respond to this, but here is my take on your question. The first
time I played Bizet's "Symphony in C", I did it on Bb clarinet because, 1)
that was the instrument I had and 2), it was what the conductor asked
for. He wanted everyone on the same instrument. I thought it was a
shallow request at the time, but since I didn't have a C clarinet, it was a
moot point.

We are playing the "C" in our next performance (different conductor, same
orch.). My section mates are envious. I have let each of them play the
part on my instrument during rehearsal time, with this scenario. The
conductor questioned my performance the first time I played for him. He
asked to let my assistant play the part. Unknown to him, I gave her my
instrument and she played. He didn't like her playing either. Next
rehearsal, he brought in a player of his choosing and had him play the part
on a Bb instrument, which he thought would sound better than my C. He
still had no idea that my section mate had played my C. He didn't like the
sit-in's performance either. I was out for the next rehearsal on business
for my day job and my asst. played again, this time on her Bb, which the
conductor liked even less than all the previous performances. At the last
rehearsal last night, I again played my C. He thought it was
beautiful. Our principal bassoonist, who sits to my left, loves when I
play the thing, especially when we play together. Draw your own conclusions.

As for me though, the part lays well on the C and I like the slightly more
vibrant sound of the instrument in this piece. The Symphony, on the whole,
is happy and jubilant and that sound comes through on the C for me. And I
really enjoy playing on the instrument that it was written for. I am not
good at transposing and seem to get hung up in the act when having to do
so, no matter how simple the transposition. My section likes the
instrument. What more can you ask for when your own section is
complimentary of your playing. So go to town on your C - that's what you
bought it for.

Nancy

>Nancy Buckman
>Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
>eefer@-----.net

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