Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 2009/08

From: "Dan Leeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Clarinets in F
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:41:00 -0400

For quite some time, Le Blanc sold a clarinet in F. It was in their catalog.
It was just like a basset horn but it did not go lower than the low written
e. I am uncertain about what purpose it served, but I saw and played one.

On that subject, I have a great story told to me by Larry Combs. He was
playing the Stravinsky wind piece which calls for one or maybe to clarinets
in F, I forget, but which is always played with basset horns. I played the
piece with the San Diego Symphony and played it on basset horn. Now that I
recollect the piece I realize there was only one basset
horn.

Anyway, Larry said that the Chicago was doing the work with Leinsdorf
conducting, who interrupted the rehearsal and said to Larry, with what
instrument are you playing this work?

And Larry, without an instant's hesitation and an entirely straight face
said, "I am playing this on a clarinet in F." He got the idea because that
is what the printed part says.

And Leinsdorf smiled happily and said, "I am so happy. In Europe the work
is often played on a basset horn." Larry kept a straight face.

Dan Leeson

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