Klarinet Archive - Posting 000101.txt from 2008/12

From: Martin Baxter <martinbaxter@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Gran Partitta, again, Part 3
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:01:46 -0500

Nancy,
I agree with you that a professional performance should use basset
horns (and Bb horns for 3&4 if possible ) BUT
I hope players playing the Partita just for their own pleasure won't
be put off by having to use substitutes.
As has been said earlier in this discussion a lot of Boehm
bassethorns are large bore and thus are effectively alto clarinets in
F anyway. The transposition for alto is like playing C parts on the
Bb (and how many orchestral players have never done this rather than
obtain a C?). I like the Bruggen recording (with period instruments)
but still enjoy the old Toscanini more; mind you with Kamesch, Wlach
and Boskowsky as 1st oboe, clarinet and basset any other players are
facing stiff competition in such an overtly Viennese work.
Martin

> Bear,
>
> I love your music, but DON"T mess with Mozart! I never used to
> think there would
> be much of a difference switching instruments in this piece either,
> UNTIL I
> actually played K. 361 on a basset horn last spring. The basset
> isn't rare or hard
> to find. They are expensive, but cost less than a bass clarinet.
> K. 361 begs for
> basset horns!
>
> Nancy (proud owner of a beautiful basset horn)
>
> Nancy Buckman
> Orchestra AACC
> Opera AACC
> Baltimore Flute Choir
> Early Music Society of Northern MD
> eefer@-----.com
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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