Klarinet Archive - Posting 000216.txt from 2007/06

From: John Dablin <jdablin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Article on Thea King
Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:54:09 -0400

On Sunday 01 July 2007 00:16, dnleeson wrote:
[ snip ]
>
> Another issue is the assertion that King played both K. 580 and
> K. 622 on a basset horn. That opens a lot of questions: what was
> the pitch of the basset horn on which she played, what was the
> pitch of the performance? If A major, that would put the basset
> horn (in F, presumably) in a very awkward key. Or were the
> orchestral parts changed to F major so as to allow the basset
> horn to play both works in the written key of C major?
>
> I don't understand this assertion at all, and I would be very
> grateful if someone who knew something about this alleged
> performance would say something to clarify the matter.
>
> It is not uncommon when a great player and fine teacher passes
> away that the obituary writers take liberties with the facts.
> Perhaps is the case.

I remember attending a concert in Hemel Hempstead, UK, where Thea
King played the Mozart Concerto on a basset clarinet. This was
probably in the late 1970s or early 80s. It was most definitely a
basset clarinet and not a basset horn, and I remember the occasion
clearly because it was the first time I'd ever seen the instrument.
It was straight, and she played standing, with a long floor peg to
support the bell of the instrument.

It's highly probable that the distinction between the basset horn
and basset clarinet might be a little hazy in the mind of an
obituary writer.

John Dablin
Aylesbury UK

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