Klarinet Archive - Posting 000117.txt from 2010/12

From: "Jim Lytthans" <lytthans@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Calluses and Mozart
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:41:28 -0500

Margaret Thornhill was correct in saying that playing the clarinet should
not cause calluses on the tips of the fingers. I've been playing clarinet
since I was about 8, and do have the normal big callus on the right thumb (a
badge of honor?), plus a very small callus on both the left thumb (register
key) and left index finger (Ab/G# key). My right index finger has a slight
callus on the side, due to frequent use of the alternate Bb fingering. I met
Benny Goodman at Robert Gilbert's in the early '60s, and noticed that he
have fairly big and rough hands, almost those of a laborer. I found that
strange. This didn't affect his playing, as we read through a bunch of
Magnani duets together.

I've watched the YouTube videos of Meyer playing both the Quintet and the
Concerto, both using her A Basset clarinet. She does not improvise or extend
the range in the Quintet, but goes somewhat overboard with the ornamentation
in her performance of the Concerto. Dan, is there a published edition of the
Quintet with extended range? From what I've read, Stadler did not own a
Basset clarinet when the Quintet was written. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Jim Lytthans
Anaheim, CA

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