Klarinet Archive - Posting 000125.txt from 2008/09

From: Simon Aldrich <simonaldrich@-----.ca>
Subj: RE: [kl] Ridenour Lyrique bass and basset clarinets
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:51:05 -0400

Regarding Joe's question about basset clarinets and Keith's response,
"I don't think you need a separate complete basset clarinet."

This is not an insignificant point, having only the lower joint of a
basset clarinet that you add to your own A clarinet upper joint.
I have a Steven Fox basset clarinet lower joint that I use when I play
the Mozart Concerto and Quintet (in addition to pieces by contemporary
composers who have discovered that this instrument is out there - the
Brit Thomas Ades comes to mind).
The feel and intonation of the basset clarinet remains similar to your
A clarinet when you add the lower joint.
Fox will customize the lower-note keywork to suit your preferences.
You can also supply the lower joint, onto which he adds the extension
with the 4 lower notes. This lowers the cost and you are assured of a
good match of joints (if you chose a lower joint with a similar bore).

For professionals this lower-joint option is preferable not only
because one is essentially playing his own instrument when playing
basset clarinet, but also because of the space consideration.
I played the Mozart Concerto a few years ago with an orchestra in
London, Ontario, Canada. I had to go to London directly from France
where I was touring with my contemporary ensemble. In France I had my
soprano clarinets, bass clarinet, Eb clarinet and my basset extension.
I modified a BAM double X Light case
(http://www.bamcases.com/wind_instrument_cases/clarinet_cases/index.php?l=en&p=3
)
so that the basset extension fit between the two soprano instruments
(David Shifrin's idea, not mine).
Having a basset clarinet lower joint saved carrying a 4th case on tour.

But the more important aspect of having only the basset lower joint is
not having a "new" instrument with its attendant different resistance,
different pitch, different "bad notes", different live notes, etc.

------------------------------------------------------------
Simon Aldrich

Clarinet Faculty - McGill University
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre Metropolitain de Montreal
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre de l'Opera de Montreal
Artistic Director - Jeffery Summer Concerts
Clarinet - Nouvel Ensemble Moderne

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