Klarinet Archive - Posting 000043.txt from 2007/11

From: "Clark W Fobes" <claroneman@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Basset horn in Magic Flute
Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:33:22 -0500

Dan Leeson wrote:

"However the basset horns play a very minor role in the opera and are used
in only two places,one of which has no vocal accompaniment. I speak of the
March of the Priests, and as part of the accompaniment to the aria "O Isis
und Osiris" as sung by Sarastro. But I don't remember the basset horn being
prominent in either of these two works as you suggested. There is no solo
work or even any exposed passages"

Dan, actually the basset horn appears three times in the Opera. The
first time is in the Finale to act one and as you say, is not a solo voice.
But it is used again (in pairs) in the opening of Act 2 - No. 9 March of the
Priests and then in No. 10. In both arias it has the melody and is voiced
in a register that is a prominent voice in the woodwind section. Granted, it
is not a "solo" voice as in "Parto Parto" from Clemenza, but it requires one
to play with leadership. Playing within the ensemble it is a very important
voice.

Tony Striplen used a Leblanc basset horn that is an excellent instrument,
but it tends to be quite sharp, especially in the chalumeau when playing
quietly. I have to say, he HAS mastered the intonation problems of that
horn.

And you are correct about the transposing. Elektra or Die Frau ohne
Schatten would be a challenge!

Clark W Fobes - Clarinet & Saxophone products
www.clarkwfobes.com

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