Klarinet Archive - Posting 000171.txt from 2006/12

From: "dnleeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Alto-basset horn comparison
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 11:35:17 -0500

I am going to take hard issue with Rien's assertion that the
ongoing email contrast of the alto clarinet with the basset horn
is "ridiculous." (That was his exact word choice.) Besides his
interruption of an ongoing and interesting technical discussion
of two clarinet types, he appears to consider the subject as
unworthy of examination. Further, I don't find his technical
assessment and conclusion to be on strong grounds, either.

The two instruments hold essentially the same place in the
orchestral instrumental choir. While both can play soprano
parts, the instruments are often assigned the role of the tenor
in the vocal choir. For example, when playing clarinet quartets,
if a basset is used it generally is the third voice after the two
clarinets. Or if one were to play string quartets using
clarinets, the most logical place for either the alto clarinet or
the basset to be would be on the viola part. Notice how Strauss
places the basset horn in his orchestral use; i.e., always as the
tenor voice.

While it is true that the instruments may have different physical
characteristics (such as bore and mouthpiece sizes), those are
phenomena that are used to address performance issues such as
intonation. That the two are different instruments, as Rien
stated, is both true and irrelevant.

I do see a different problem when speaking about the possible
interchangability of the two instruments. The fact that one is in
E-flat places limitations on the concert pitch of any work in
which it is to be employed. The fact that the other is in F has
similar limitations. But these two phenomena are very similar to
the clarinet in B-flat/clarinet in A situation of today's
orchestral players. Were the two instruments a half-tone apart
rather than a full tone, the contrast would be identical.

So please tell me in objective way, Rien, why do you feel that
the discussion is "ridiculous"? Simply stating, as you did, that
the two instruments were not the same (which is obvious), does
not constitute a valid argument, or, for that matter, a useful or
reasonable one.

Dan Leeson
DNLeeson@-----.net

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