Klarinet Archive - Posting 000300.txt from 2006/10

From: "Gary Smith" <gary622@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Tchaikovsky 6th Question
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:53:44 -0400

We had this come up in my orchestra. If the 2nd player has a bass
clarinet and knows how to use it :-), they are otherwise unemployed at
that point and can cover the notes. There is plenty of time to switch
horns and get ready. The 2nd player will (as I recall) miss playing
some of his/her part in the ff (fff?) (ffff?) section that follows as
he/she puts the bass away and gets their sop. clarinet, but it really
doesn't matter much, as every horn in the orchestra is blasting away
at that point.

In my mind (and that of many conductors) it is a worthwhile
substitution to make, as the part is very difficult for the bassoon to
make with the required softness in what is a VERY low range for the
bassoon. Our bassoonist (who is very good) was all for it. Purists
will, as usual, be offended.

As for what notes to play, of course just borrow the bassoon part and
transcribe. It's just a few notes to pencil in on the score. I don't
have my part anymore, and don't remember what they are.

On 10/19/06, Jim Lytthans <lytthans@-----.net> wrote:
> 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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