Klarinet Archive - Posting 000529.txt from 2006/03

From: Roger Hewitt <rogerclarinet@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Let's get real (was Transposed Parts)
Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2006 02:46:48 -0500

Let's get real here - In a concert band, for instance, the A clariinet
is never used - modern composers may want to use it for the sound, but
it just isn't done, so tough. An 18th century composer oftem wrote
simpler parts than he wanted - it was much quicker when time is
pressing and he knew the performer would add the appropriate
decorations automatically. There is even a case for this in K622!

Ok, so both these statements are basically true, but could be disputed.
A good example occurred a couple of years ago. I played in a concert
band which was accompanying a choir doing Zadok the Priest. The
clarinet parts were transcribed from the original fiddle, and the
conductor took the piece *very* briskly (much too fast for my taste).
The top players all decided to play using the A because we could (just)
manage the parts where we couldn't manage the Bb parts smoothly - all 3
were good players, but we made the decision in order to be more able to
play the music comfortably, without just playing a fingering exercise.
It was the best solution, but the only time I've ever used A clarinet
in band!

I'm ducking from the brickbats about to be thrown as I send this

Roger H

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