Klarinet Archive - Posting 000105.txt from 2003/04

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:30:42 -0400

I have read all of the posts over the years, but am curious why there are
always posts that argue there is no difference in the sound of clarinets
from one manufacturer or another, (which may have significant acoustical
differences), materials these instruments or mouthpieces are made from, or
the sound of very different instrument designs from other nations (a German
Wurlitzer, Boosey and Hawkes, etc).

But- if we play a D clarinet part on Eb, it is considered heresy. I assume
it is ok to play a Bb part on a large bore Albert system clarinet as long as
it is a Bb clarinet, or a basset horn part on any variety of styles, bores,
(large bore Leblanc or small bore Selmer) etc as long as it is a basset.

I do not propose that it would be sound (no pun intended) to play Eb parts
on a contrabass clarinet as long as the same pitch can be produced. I would
assume some thought as to closely related instruments(size, pitch, timbre).
I am curious why these substitutions are considered bad. I don't know that
most players could hear the difference 100% of the time from an Eb or D in
the Rite of Spring.

Is it merely because the composer specified that you use an A clarinet, for
whatever reason over a Bb or C and fingering system or other aspects are
left up to the player? Why does the Chicago symphony choose to use German
instruments for the appropriate works although some argue there is no sonic
difference? Why do manufacturers offer oboes or clarinets in different
woods? Looks alone? Why does Morrie Backun offer so many variations of woods
of barrels? From a recent post, it seems that Dan would assert that a
clarinet made from poured concrete would not sound any different, it is only
that I would "feel" different about playing it and it is all psychological.

The recent posts about sound and materials left me with more questions than
answers. Sorry if I am less than articulate about my thoughts.

Ed

> From: Elgenubi@-----.com
> Reply-To: klarinet@-----.org
> Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2003 20:30:52 EST
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
>
> Of course you are substantially right. But there is a tremendous
> history on this subject. There have been times and there are places where
> people do try to minimize the number of clarinets they use. I get the sense
> that we are moving into a time where increasingly respect is being paid to
> the exact instrument the composer called for. The pros on this list can
> correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that 40 years ago C clarinet parts were
> routinely transposed to a common clarinet, but today they are mostly (?)
> being played on C instruments????
> Poke around on the archives and you'll see billions of words about
> this subject.

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