Klarinet Archive - Posting 000172.txt from 2011/03

From: "Dan Leeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset Horn Question
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:05:22 -0400

The basset horn has a lower compass of written low C, or a major third below
the clarinet's lowest pitch of E. Since so much of the basset horn's
writing in Mozart's time used that lower register, the parts were often
written in the bass clef to avoid the excessive use of ledger lines. Keep in
mind that the basset horn was the first attempt to introduce a bass voice in
the clarinet section, sort of an early idea for a clarinet-type instrument
that could play low (as well as high).

Like any bass clarinet part, the player of a basset horn is expected to be
able to read both treble and bass clefs.

While it is true that the alto clarinet in E-flat has a relationship to the
basset horn in F, their histories diverged because the alto clarinet was a
band instrument, while the basset horn was used for Harmoniemusik and
symphonic orchestral playing. It doesn't have to make sense because the two
instrument have a unique and distinctive genealogy.

In the case of Mozart's serenade, K. 361 for 13 instruments, the work
requires a pair of clarinet and also a pair of basset horns. There is even
a section of the work in which the four player have an entire trio all to
themselves. The instrument is also found in the Mozart Requiem where is
uses NONE of its lowest tones. A pair are also requires for the opera,
Magic Flute. In contemporary times, Richard Strauss used the instrument
mightily in Electra, Frau ohen Schatten, and Rosenkavalier. In fact, the
Rosenkavalier is for basset horns with a bass clarinet double. Mostly the
player works on the basset horn. And in Strauss' Frau ohne Schatten, the
basset horn is used exclusively except for the last page or two where a C
clarinet double is used.

Did I answer your question??

Dan Leeson

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Bassett" <bassettt1@-----.com>
To: "klarinet" <klarinet@-----.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2011 3:23 PM
Subject: [kl] Basset Horn Question

>
> I want to begin writing a clarinet quartet... the problem is I never
> played basset horn (in F) before and I never even saw music for it.
> Finale is auto generating the basset horn to have a bass clef... is that
> normal? I thought basset was the same as alto just in F not Eb in which
> case it would be in treble. I mean... I've seen contra parts in treble so
> I dont see why basset would be bass but if that is standard practice then
> I'd like to leave it that way.
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom
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