Klarinet Archive - Posting 000153.txt from 2008/01

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] bartok/k-622/A vs. Bb arrogance/etc
Date: Tue, 08 Jan 2008 20:20:43 -0500

The Mozart Concerto was written for an extended A clarinet, that has
been dubbed the "bassett clarinet" not to be confused with the
"bassett horn" or alto clarinet.

So, the answer to your question is no, an A-clarinet sounds more like
a bassett clarinet than an alto clarinet. Of course, a bassett
clarinet is the best choice.

--Jonathan

>been lurking here a year or so - here's my first post:
>
>>Therefore, if color is the argument for instrument choice, and only
>>modern-day instruments are at hand, then using a modern day A
>>clarinet to play a Beethoven C clarinet part would be a BETTER choice
>>than using a modern day C clarinet!
>
>thanks for mentioning that.
>following that logic, should one play the mozart concerto on alto clarinet
>- at least at auditions? :) - isn't an alto closer to a basset-horn than an A?
>
>IMHO, the timbre differences between A/Bb are too subtle to support
>any kind of historical accuracy/composer intent argument. and even
>if a few low Ebs have to be changed or tongue-on-the-reed "lipped
>down", who cares? arrogance? composers are are far more arrogant..
>use the composer's score as a tool to make good music - not the
>other way around!
>
>m@
>http://sfsound.org/matt
>
>
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--
Jonathan Cohler
Artistic & General Director
International Woodwind Festival
http://iwwf.org/
cohler@-----.org

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