Klarinet Archive - Posting 000291.txt from 2006/10

From: "dnleeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Tchaikovsky 6th Question
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:52:34 -0400

Unfortunately, the use of the bass clarinet has become a
"hallowed tradition," which is almost a sentence of death. And
in many orchestras, the bass clarinet part MUST be played by the
bass clarinetist. It is generally in the contract, and this
precludes the use of the 2nd clarinet player who, if he played
it, would get a doubling fee.

While I fully agree with Glenn that we should respect the
composer's wishes, there are two things that support the use of
the bass clarinet. First, the connection between the last note
of the clarinet and the first note of the following passage
should be seamless, and that is much more difficult to do when
the clarinet leaves and the bassoon enters. Second, a bass
clarinet can play much more softly in that register, which is
generally the wish of the conductor.

I have sat through many performances of that work only because I
had to play those four notes. Actually, I played five notes,
because I would begin playing in unison with the clarinettist on
his last note thereby making the connection absolutely seamless.

Dan Leeson
DNLeeson@-----.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Kantor [mailto:klarinet@-----.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 9:37 AM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] Tchaikovsky 6th Question

If the conductor insists on using the bass clarinet to finish the
descending
clarinet solo line, the 2nd clarinet player is resting during
this time and
has ample time to switch to bass clarinet.

Of course, this all certainly begs the question - Tchaikovsky
certainly knew
of the bass clarinet and its capabilities, but he still chose to
have the
clarinet line followed by the bassoon. Should we not respect his
wishes?

Glenn B Kantor (GBK)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Lytthans" <lytthans@-----.net>
To: "Klarinet Digest (Mail)" <klarinet@-----.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:02 PM
Subject: [kl] Tchaikovsky 6th Question

>I have a question regarding the use of bass clarinet in the
Tchaikovsky
>"Pathetique". symphony. We're doing it on the next concert, and
I have
>played it many times. I remember the bass clarinet, not the
bassoon,
>playing the last four notes in measure 160, at the end of the
clarinet
>solo, just before the Allegro Vivo in the 1st movement. Several
recordings
>I have of the work use bass clarinet also, but I can't seem to
locate a
>bass part. I know the four notes in question are an easy
substitution, but
>I can't see the player sitting on stage for just four notes. Any
>suggestions?
>
> Jim Lytthans
> Anaheim, CA
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
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http://www.woodwind.org
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