Klarinet Archive - Posting 000249.txt from 2004/03

From: "Brian Schuth" <brian@------.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] reasons for basset clarinets
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 15:39:16 -0500

Dan Leeson writes: =

> ...I might have =

> forgotten myself and wrote that a basset clarinet "sounds better" =

> because of its length, [but] I don't think I did that...
> I think you interpreted that from =

> what I wrote about sound character.

You are right -- I took an implication from your note and used it as an exa=
mple to mount my hobby horse. However, since it provoked such a thoughtful=
response from you, I hope to make similar overreaching comments in the fut=
ure!

I have also experienced that sense of being the foundation -- it can be an =
even more complex experience when playing a bass *recorder* (like being the=
most important whisperer in the room). Can't quite understand the dislike=
of the Eb, but then again, I like a little abrasion in my music, being ver=
y fond of players like Naftule Brandwein, Andy Statman (possessed of one of=
the weirdest clarinet sounds I know of), and Evan Ziporyn at his most perc=
ussive. I get a kick out of Reginald Kell, even, though I wouldn't want to=
go on an exclusive diet of him...

bjs