Klarinet Archive - Posting 000175.txt from 2007/03

From: "Jim Lytthans" <lytthans@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Les Violiins du Roy
Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2007 18:21:43 -0400

I've performed the Mozart Requiem many times, both on clarinet and basset
horn, and actually prefer it on soprano clarinet. The Basset part is mostly
in the extreme upper range, and causes my life to pass in front of my eyes
when I play the damn thing. If I owned a Basset and practiced it regularly,
the part wouldn't be so difficult to bring off. On a soprano clarinet, the
range is more natural, and easier to play. I know, I know, the sound is not
the "dark" (opps!) Basset sound. It's sort of like playing viola parts on a
violin.

I heard a performance of the Requiem in Prague some years ago, with the
Prague Chamber Orchestra. They used soprano clarinets and the performance
was stunning. And I didn't miss the Basset horn sound at all. Keep in mind
that the trombones used today are not at all like the small bore instruments
from Mozart's time.

Then there is the issue of what edition of the Requiem to use............

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Jim Lytthans
Anaheim, CA

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