Klarinet Archive - Posting 000116.txt from 2003/04

From: DGross1226@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:30:53 -0400

In a message dated 4/4/2003 1:17:44 AM Pacific Standard Time, Dan Leeson <
leeson0@-----.net writes:

<<I heard a performance of a Mahler symphony done without E-flat clarinets >>

Dan,

One of my favorite examples of using the instrument the composer calls for is
the Intermezzo from the Holst First Suite in Eb for Military Band. I had
always heard the opening eighth notes written for two Eb clarinets played on
either one Eb and one Bb clarinet, or two Bb clarinets. Several years ago,
the Caltech Wind Ensemble purchased a wonderful new Yamaha Eb clarinet that
local clarinetist Gary Bovyer had hand selected. At that same time, we were
also starting to rehearse the Holst First Suite. I proposed to the conductor
that we use two Eb clarinets with your old friend Connie Josias, who is the
Eb clarinetist with the group, playing the first Eb clarinet part and me
playing the second.

Having heard the unique timbre of two Eb clarinets playing in thirds, I will
NEVER accept having those parts played on Bb instruments again. It just
isn't the sound that Holst wanted.

Don Gross
La Canada, California

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