Klarinet Archive - Posting 000107.txt from 2008/07

From: "David Lamb" <dlamb@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Once again, a C clarinet issue
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:09:22 -0400

Dan Leeson:
>
> And if the clarinet section is requested to play on C clarinets (because
> that is what the composer requested), do they have the right to ignore
> that
> explicit direction?
>
> I don't know that it is a matter of anarchy, but it certainly would have
> an
> affect on the character of the music.
>
As a composer, I generally expect musicians to perform on the instruments I
specify. On the other hand, I would not specify a C clarinet, for example,
unless I felt a clear need for that particular sound. Even then, I would
consult with the clarinetist before making a decision. My guess is that in
most cases, listeners would not notice if orchestra parts were played with
B-flat or A clarinets. I specify B-flat or A almost solely on the basis of
how the part lies -- only rarely on the basis of tone color. Brass players
seem to play their parts on whatever instrument they feel like using. This
is not always a good idea.

David Lamb in Seattle

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