Klarinet Archive - Posting 000437.txt from 2003/04

From: "Joseph Wakeling" <joseph.wakeling@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] C clarinet weirdness
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:36:13 -0400

<< Well it all depends on your perspective to determine how ridiculous this
is. >>

True. I should probably apologise to Gary for an overreaction. But still I
think it very inappropriate to say that bass clarinet parts "just shouldn't"
be written in treble clef. I don't per se object to the use of bass clef in
some situations as obviously can make extended passages in the very lowest
register somewhat easier to read. But on the other hand where this is not
the case there is no reason not to use the treble clef! Which is to say
that I think the treble clef makes sense as a default position, with the
bass clef there as an occasional useful addition.

It's not the use of bass clef that I find ridiculous, it's the idea that one
*shouldn't* use the treble clef. (Given the range of the instrument, it's
unavoidable anyway.) And I am uncomfortable with the idea that a modern
composer should not use the treble clef as the "standard". As I said
before, it seems to me to be the point of a transposing instrument that the
default notation should apply across the instrumental family.

Now, the question as to why historically this has not been the case in all
countries is a different question of course!-) And it's always worth
considering that "traditions" can sometimes be actions that do not make
rational sense but are still done because "it's always been like that".

Incidentally, it wouldn't surprise me if the French (treble clef) notation
was the result of some sort of official proclamation from e.g. the Paris
Conservatoire, as a result of consultation with players. I would be
interested to find out if this is the case.

-- Joe

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