Klarinet Archive - Posting 000109.txt from 2003/04

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:30:46 -0400

> From: Dan Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
> Subject: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
>
> Sorry Ed, but flip response just won't do. Your positing on this matter
> was much more broad than B-f;at to A transpositions....

Sorry, I assume some thought to close relationships that would have some
resemblance, as is often customarily done. I am attempting to probe the
thoughts on this matter rather than state facts.

>
> A half-step difference between clarinets is not so irrelevant that it,
> too, can fall into the realm of "it doesn't matter," as you originally
> stated.

I apologize if I am not clear. Maybe questions would better illustrate my
thoughts. When you used to play your A bass clarinet vs. your Bb, could
others in the ensemble (violist, conductor, etc) know without question which
instrument you were playing at the time?

If so, was it due to the pitch relationships or the sonic differences
between your two instruments? Was the sonic difference due solely to the
pitch, or did the differences in the pieces of wood, bore, design also
contribute to this? You (correct me if I am wrong) seem to state that the
great sound differences that people often speak of (dark, bright, etc) are
nonsense. I am therefore puzzled why different pitched instruments are
thought to have different sonic qualities, (a chocolate A) yet it seems that
two clarinets which may have substantial differences in design do not. I am
thinking at the moment again, of closely related instruments.

Sorry about any miscommunication,

Ed

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