Klarinet Archive - Posting 000148.txt from 2008/11

From: "Dan Leeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset horn vs. Alto Clarinet
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:10:16 -0500

Edward, there is probably no single reason why anyone would write for a
basset horn as contrasted with an alto clarinet. In Mozart's case, if both
instrument were available, he would certainly have chosen the basset horn
because it has an excellent low C sounding F enabling parts written in F
major to have a nice low tonic.. But that is academic because no alto
clarinet was available.

Another consideration is that, in my opinion, the two instruments do not
sound alike..

Perhaps even another consideration might that so few alto clarinets are well
made. Those that I have tried are often out of tune. And in high school
and college bands, their condition can often be terrible. There is no reason
why a really excellent alto clarinet cannot be made, but then it would be
more expensive and since the users are, in the main, schools, I think that
they prefer to stay with alto clarinets because they are cheaper. The price
difference is why you don't see many basset horns in schools.

Though your question is a good one, I could turn it around and ask why
should a composer write for an alto clarinet when a perfectly satisfactory
basset horn is available?

Dan Leeson

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edward Escobar" <elescobar@-----.com>
To: <klarinet@-----.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 1:55 PM
Subject: [kl] Basset horn vs. Alto Clarinet

> Just a quick question...
>
> With any modern clarinet music, mostly ensemble works, why would a
> composer decide to write in a basset horn and not an alto clarinet or
> vise versa?
> I have my thoughts on the matter, but would like to hear from the masses
> on this.
>
> Thanks
>
> Edward Escobar
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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