Klarinet Archive - Posting 000377.txt from 2004/09

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Odd views of smaller clarinets
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 06:59:38 -0400

Matthew Lloyd wrote:

>"Even the Eb feels better to me than the C"
>
>What is that supposed to mean? Why do so many clarinettists, who should
>know better, have such a downer on the Eb?
>
>
>
>
I can only speak for myself, here Matthew.

I happen to like the Eb, myself, as far as timbre, its place in the
woodwind and clarinet choir, and overall orchestral sound, and even in
the old military band music. Parts written for it often are "color"
parts, and as such, give one a chance to show off, and have a good time! *G*

I think what I find negative about it is the lack of commercial reeds
made especially for Eb (sure, I can cut down Bb reeds, or make my own -
okay, so, I'm a bit of a coward, and admit it!) and, primarily, that the
finger holes are much closer together, and that is a mental as well as a
physical adjustment for me. But it's not so much of one that I cannot
enjoy the instrument for what it is.

Now, there is the aspect of composers who write parts for Eb where there
are points in the music where it is expected to blend into the overall
ensemble, yet there are notes that are...well, to be kind, difficult to
play in tune, and quite strident on the instrument, smack in the middle
of a passage that is written pianissimo in the third register, or some
other nonsense. No one likes to mess about with that. But, I am one of
those people who is a glutton for punishment. Oh, shoot, we all are.
OR we would have played kazoo or something. ;-)

Patricia Smith

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