Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 2006/04

From: Robert Howe <arehow@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Bassetto in Boston
Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2006 06:28:57 -0400


> Subject: Re: [kl] Bassetto in Boston
>
> Anyway, Stravinsky did not ask for a bassett horn at all. There are alto
> clarinets in F and they should be used if possible (I have seen several by
> Hammerschmidt and Uebel). Transposing the part on a good Eb instrument could
> be compared to playing C parts on the Bb--done all the time. A real bassett
> horn would be too soft and pale. On the other hand, most modern *bassett
> horns* are merely alto clarinets in F with additional keys. Such large bore
> instruments are as much bassett horns as a bass clarinet with low C
> extension could be called a bassett horn in C. Historically and
> aesthetically I don't think they have much in common. In that respect, a
> modern *basset horn* in F might be quite suitable for the Stravinsky.

If I recall correctly, the Stravinsky part extends to a written low Db.
This shows that although Stravinsky wrote the words "alto clarinet', he had
in mind a bassetto.

The issue of "too soft and pale" is the player's problem.

Buffet also made (makes?) an F alto clarinet to low E. I have seen several
at French auctions, and I have one by Albert of Brussells.

Modern bassetti range in bore from 14.5 mm at the center (Selmer) to about
17 (Leblanc). Sweeping generalizations are often just that!

Robert Howe

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